Re: Yaya?
The big problem with Yaya Toure is the fact that he's absolutely world class and yet a very VERY 50/50 player. My example of this is the Aston Villa game. Whilst incredibly impressive, what other player you know of strolls through a game with very low intensity and then looks like a completely different player when he picks up the ball on the counter, drives past 3 players whilst sprinting 50 yards and finishing with ease.
It is bizzare. It is clear to see now that Yaya Toure just cannot be held to much if not any defensive duty. High pressing and quick tempo passing just slip by him.
Can you imagine if Toure was as skilled as he is but has the engine and mobility of Fernandinho? His general running motion is a slow lumber, there is no quick reaction.
But when he shows what he can do I.e. Change a game in an instant - he's unbelievable. (Look at Sunderland for the best example. Out of nothing.)
THATS why City can't afford not to play him. But this I think is the big problem. When was the last time Yaya Toure put in a truly commanding performance? Palace away. He showed his class there. He put in the pace, effort and skill required to win the game. But when before that?
I would honestly go all the way back to United at home in September.
And THAT is simply not good enough for City as I think they lose a lot of intensity and mobility in midfield with Yaya playing.
Look at Arsenal away last year with Yaya playing. 1-1 draw and he was hardly imposing. This season? He doesn't play and City had a great intensity and sharpness to their passing and should have won the game with enough chances at the end. Also see Bayern away last year. But City won that one against the European Champions.
It is difficult to put games you don't win down to just Yaya but it's not many times where you see Yaya have a good/great game and we don't win.
I think Coty didn't get rid of him in the summer because if they had, pundits and fans alike might have been saying 'Oh you needed the power and drive from Toure there' or 'Where's the 20 goals going to come from in midfield?'
I am predicting a poor season for him because I don't think his heads in the right place, but I think City fans will actually be pleasantly surprised when City sell him and buy somebody like Pogba, who's an ideal replacement which is clear to see.
The problem is his value. PSG might have paid £40m for him this summer because of his statistically brilliant season. But no longer after this one I think.
It's frustrating because everyone wants to see a barnstorming, fired-up Toure that's putting a huge stamp on the game. But it ms just too far and few between to justify playing him every game.
Long post but I hope many agree. Fantastic footballer but this should be his last season IMO unless he wants to accept a smaller role and Pogba could then learn from him, which would be a big bonus.
