Why Paul Pogba Is the Ideal Long-Term Replacement for Yaya Toure

Speculation about a move away from Manchester City continues to follow Yaya Toure. His agent, Dimitri Seluk, recently told Sky Sports he was “90 per cent certain” his client would be playing elsewhere at the start of next season—although judging the integrity of his statements can be challenging at the best of times.

Whether he moves this summer or not doesn’t change one thing, though: City must start thinking about how to replace him.

Toure turned 32 earlier this month, and it’s clear his time as the most dominant midfielder in the Premier League is set to come to an end in the not-too-distant future. He still has plenty to offer, but he won’t last forever.

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Finding a replacement is essential. Toure has been absolutely central to City’s success in recent years, arguably contributing more big moments than any other player. Winning goals in the semi-final and final of the 2011 FA Cup, two goals at Newcastle United 12 months later as City edged toward their first league title in 44 years, a goal in last season’s League Cup final and some more vital strikes as City closed in on their second title in three seasons last May—his record speaks for itself. 

When he signed for £24 million from Barcelona in 2010, many felt City had been duped. He wasn’t seen as a member of Barcelona’s elite group of players, restricted instead to a role screening the back four. The fee, some felt, was too high and indicative of the kind of decadence the club had shown since being taken over by Sheikh Mansour in 2008. 

But City have allowed him to flourish and establish himself as arguably the most complete midfielder in Europe. Roberto Mancini, the former City boss, saw his potential as a player given licence to join attacks. Toure was freed and a star was born. 

Replacing him completely is impossible. He’s too good, with too many elements to his game to be able to do that, but in Paul Pogba, Juventus’ 22-year-old midfielder, there’s a young, hungry player who looks about the best placed to fill the Ivorian’s boots.

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Like Toure, he possesses pace, power, athleticism, unbelievable stamina and the ability to contribute to both attack and defence. Since leaving Manchester United as a precocious but underused 19-year-old, he has developed into a formidable midfielder. It was arguably Ferguson's biggest transfer gaffe in his 26 years as United manager. 

As reported by Reuters, Didier Deschamps, his coach at international level, described him as "a warrior," going on to say: "He's physically impressive, powerful and technically gifted. He likes to go forward. Things look so easy for him." Some players are so supremely talented it's immediately obvious when watching them they have everything needed to reach the top. Pogba is one of them. 

Juventus have had a fine season and are set to play their first Champions League final since 2003. On the surface, it may seem foolish for him to leave. 

But Serie A has become something of a forgotten league, a place where corruption and financial insecurity reign. The Premier League is viewed as far more competitive, and in a game where money rules, he's likely to earn much more if he moved to City. 

The problem City face, though, is the level of competition there will be for his signature. Every summer, a player will emerge as the most sought-after. Pogba is likely to be this summer's. 

If, say, Real Madrid became interested in taking him, perhaps City would have to accept defeat, much like with Isco two summers ago when he was identified as a target by the club when Pellegrini arrived. The club appeared confident they had a deal for the Spaniard, only to be gazumped by Real at the death.  

He may ultimately end up elsewhere, but Pogba represents the man best equipped to replace the irreplaceable. 

Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and will be following the club from a Manchester base throughout the 2014-15 season. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter: @RobPollard.