When you think about dominant players in today’s game, the names that come to mind are Messi and Christiano Ronaldo, and I wouldn’t argue with that.  However, a name that isn’t mentioned is Yaya Toure,

Yaya Toure the most dominant midfield player in football today.

He is the first name that goes on the Manchester City team sheet and would definitely be the same way in most or all top team lineups. He would make a good Manchester United team great, and a great Barcelona team greater!  That does beg the question however as to why Barcelona would allow one of their prized assets leave in the first place.  There could be many reasons for that one, but what is clear is they still haven’t been able to properly replace him.  They have signed Song from Liverpool, not quite the same is it?!

What does he bring?

Yaya Toure is quick, bull strong, 6’2 and built like a heavy weight prize-fighter, on the field he is almost unstoppable.  He has two great feet, is uncomplicated and accomplished in all areas.  Difficult to track despite his size, but has a presence that is very easy to track.  With the ball at his feet, it is very difficult to dislodge him and he uses it very well with a very high passing completion rate, comparable to Iniesta for Barcelona and Scholes of Manchester United

Because he is strong and unorthodox, he is a strong ball winner in the middle of the park and plays his holding midfield role almost to perfection.  He also has the capability of unlocking defenses with insightful plays and measured penetrative balls. He has an uncanny resemblance to Patrick Viera and I would add that he has the bull doggish intensity of Roy Keane.  What more can you ask for? 

Yaya Toure Stats with Manchester City

His stats read well, even though City still do well without him, they are clearly not the same team.  Although with him, the points per game are very high at 2.36 ppg. The goal differential is noticeably different, goals against almost a 3rd less.