8 Reasons for Manchester City to Ignore the Critics and Stick with Yaya Toure
The biggest disappointment of Manchester City's season so far has been the form of Yaya Toure, the club's Player of the Year for the last campaign, whose 20 league goals from midfield played a significant role in his side's Premier League title win.
Although this season is still in its infancy, Toure has so far failed to get anywhere near the level he reached last term, with his non-performance in Munich during City's 1-0 defeat to Bayern representing a low point for the Ivorian. It was one which saw him on the receiving end of criticism from the City fans.
There have been signs of an upturn in form in the last few games, but City need a full-blown recovery. Their chances of success this season are greatly improved if he can return to his best form.
At 31, it may well be best for the club to cash in next summer, but for now, he's a vital part of the squad. Manuel Pellegrini should ignore the critics and stick by his man. Here's eight reasons why.
1. He's a Unique Midfielder
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Think of all the midfielders in the Premier League, and indeed, across Europe, and none quite have the same intoxicating mix as Toure.
Pace, power, a wonderful shot, the ability to beat players, an insatiable desire to run with the ball—Toure can do almost anything.
It means he provides City with an edge, a unique midfield force that's so difficult to contain. He's very often the difference between two sides.
2. He Scores Goals
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Scoring 20 league goals from midfield last season was a remarkable feat. It's unusual for a midfielder, especially one who also brings defensive attributes to a side, to score so many. Very few manage 20 in a single season.
And with City now down to three strikers after the departure of Alvaro Negredo this summer, goals from midfield have taken on increased importance. Toure is capable of getting them.
3. He's the Man for the Big Occasion
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Toure has contributed significantly to so many of City's recent successes. When they've needed him most, very often he's delivered.
He scored winners in the 2011 FA Cup semi-final and final, ending the club's 35-year wait for a major trophy, as well as a double at Newcastle in the penultimate game of the following season which put City on the brink of the their first title in 44 years. Last season, he scored a wonder goal in the League Cup final and managed key goals in the run-in as City won their second title in three years.
No occasion is too big for Toure.
4. He's Tactically Flexible
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Another of Toure's defining features, and one which makes him an asset to the City squad, is his flexibility. Toure can operate in a number of different roles.
He can play high up the pitch in a No. 10, free from defensive restraints with a remit to attack. He can play as a box-to-box midfielder or, if absolutely necessary, as a defensive one. He could even fill in at centre-back if a crisis occurred, all of which makes him invaluable to the squad.
5. Opponents Fear Him
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Because of his strength and pace, Toure strikes fear into opponents. There are midfielders who come onto the pitch and look defeated before a ball is kicked.
Players know he's capable of blowing them away with his ability. One turn of pace and moment of skill and a player can be trailing in his wake.
6. He Can Produce Moments of Brilliance out of Nothing
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In City's match with Aston Villa back in April, Toure picked up the ball inside his own half, before bursting towards goal while leaving a trail of white shirts behind him. He smacked the ball past Brad Guzan and celebrated wildly as City closed in on the title.
It was a remarkable moment and one indicative of what makes him a great player: the ability to produce moments of magic out of nothing.
7. His Underrated Passing Ability Is Key
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One element of Toure's game often overlooked is his passing ability.
Last season, according to Squawka, Toure managed a hugely impressive 90 percent passing accuracy rate in his 35 league appearances. Even this season, when his form has been poor, he's managed 91 percent.
He rarely loses possession and keeps City in control of the ball.
8. He's Been a Key Part of the Club's Success
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In a recent interview with the Blue Moon Podcast, former City CEO Garry Cook spoke about Toure in glowing terms. He believes the deal to bring Toure to the club was seismic—the key in convincing others to come to the club.
He felt Toure "changed the dynamic, came for the right reasons" and was "the catalyst for change."
The Ivorian's role in changing the perception and the trajectory of the club has been huge, and he deserves great credit for that.
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