The importance of Yaya Toure to Manchester City’s history cannot be overlooked. In fact, the Ivorian could be described as the most significant player ever to represent the Citizens.
Since his arrival in 2010, Toure has been the catalyst to City’s recent success and Pep Guardiola will be hoping his return to the first-team will witness Yaya increase his status further still.
The fall-out between Toure and Pep Guardiola has been one of the major talking points of City’s season, but when Toure’s controversial agent Dimitri Seluk apologised on behalf of the Ivorian and himself, Guardiola was quick to reinstall the midfielder in the City side.
But what can we expect from Toure? The exceptional midfielder defied the odds most recently against Crystal Palace to score a brace and ensure City travelled home with three points from Selhurst Park.
Can Toure inspire City to a third Premier League title? Here are FIVE reasons why he can be a fundamental factor in City’s overall success this season.
Point to prove to Guardiola
During the pre-season, Yaya Toure was widely tipped to depart the Etihad Stadium only for Pep Guardiola to request the Ivorian to remain at the club.
A month later, Toure was not picked by Guardiola for City’s upcoming Champions League campaign which resulted in his agent, Dimitri Seluk, branding Guardiola a coward.
Toure has since returned to the first-team and with his relationship with Guardiola stronger than ever, the Ivorian will still be keen to prove his manager wrong for leaving him out in the early stages of the season.
Going out with a bang
Toure’s contract at the Etihad Stadium expires this July and he is not expected to be offered a new deal as City enter into a new era under Guardiola.
Now, in the knowledge his City career is drawing to a close, Toure will be keen to leave a lasting legacy at the Etihad Stadium by guiding City to a third Premier League title.
The love from the supporters will always be present for the midfield master.
Ability is still present
Toure may be 33 years-old, however, against Crystal Palace the giant midfielder showed he can still compete at the highest level.
His legs may not be able to take him to the heights previously witnessed, but he can trade punches with some of the best in the Premier League.
Two goals and a Man of the Match display further show that Toure can remain a Premier League player challenging for major honours.
Big game moments
More than anyone else in Manchester City folklore, Yaya Toure has proven the man capable of winning major games almost single-handedly.
In the Premier League’s title finale, Toure’s ability will prove a decisive factor in the Citizens coming out on top, if they indeed do so.
Goals in cup finals, devastating derby displays and big performances in key games have been a common factor for Toure at City.
Selling himself to potential suitors
As his contract is set to expire by July, Toure will be on the look out for another club come the summer.
The move is going to be the final pay-day for Toure who is seemingly keen to remain in the Premier League rather than move abroad.
As it stands, six months are remaining on Toure’s current deal and attracting one of the bigger club’s in England will be a priority for the Ivorian.
