Jesus Christ. Some people on here. When Yaya's played in a holding role alongside someone who works hard and can read the game well like Barry, then he's the best defensive midfielder in the world. Good in the air, strong in the tackle, brilliant passer and dictates our style of play. Please name someone better OP.
He's also a world class attacking midfielder yes. The reason he so often starts deeper is because we have an abundance of attacking talent but are particularly lacking in quality in the centre of midfield.
Yaya was piss poor yesterday, but it's not often you can say that. When we boss possession, which we did for the majority of last season, his passing from deep is essential to how we play. He's the best in the world at what he does by a distance, whether that's playing deep or further forward. Yaya could be a world class centre back or a world class centre forward if he wanted to be.