Yaya Touré is a man who vehemently splits opinion. There are those who worship a player who has been integral to the vast majority our successes since 2008 and there are others who view the Ivorian as a mere liability – dissecting his time at City was fairly easy for me as there was one running theme throughout my research: success.
Ever since Touré first joined City he has provided impact. Big performances, big goals and big moments have never ceased to relent since the 32-year-old slotted into our midfield all those years ago. I look at our 2011 FA Cup trophy and think of one man, two games and two big goals. He was vital in our first ever title-winning season in which he was a regular fixture in Roberto Mancini’s side and ever-present on the scoresheet. His 2013/14 season was one of the best I’ve ever seen a central midfielder have and to score 20 in the league along with nine assists was an unbelievable achievement. His free-kicks that season became a trademark of his and he was well worth his Premier League winners medal. His absurdly executed goal in the League Cup final against Sunderland epitomised Yaya Touré – cool, calculated and insanely talented.
His 2014/15 season was deemed dissapointing by many fans, espescially amongst blues who felt he was giving less and less than he had previously. Despite this, he still managed 10 goals and saw us out to second spot. Touré was 31 last season, there aren’t many players at 31 who are known for their relentless workrate and industry and this is the problem amongst City fans – we as a fanbase have to realise that players change and evolve.
Yaya isn’t the explosive player he was at Monaco, Barcelona or the early stages of his City career. However, he is still a vital player to this City side. Whether that be when deployed next to someone who will tackle and hassle players (Fernandinho) or as a No.10 behind the striker, where he can become more lax when it comes to defensive duties. Running the length of the pitch to make a last-ditch tackle never has and never will be part of his game, the idea that he could be that player for us has never actually come into fruition, and for good reason.
Touré is maturing into a role even he is probably unsure of. Whether that be infront of Fernandinho and behind an attacking three, or as a number 10 – his role has changed and people must face up to that. His newer, more dictatory role in the side means he can influence a game and its tempo, whilst also having a say in big moments. His ability to confront the most high-pressure moments is testament to his icy-cool playing style and mental capacity (Norwich penalty) and is something we shouldn’t forget to applaud.
Yaya Touré is for me, one of our greatest ever players and is part of our legacy. He is someone who has been at the heart everything City have done well since their meteoric rise. Long live King Yaya and may he continue to score in and influence the biggest of games.
