OPINION: The rise and fall of Yaya Toure

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News of Yaya Toure’s omission from Man City’s Champions League squad is a bit of a shocker. 

The former African footballer of the year might be slowing down due to age catching up and you could argue that Pep’s decision to omit him could be down to match fitness. 

However, I feel its all down to philosophy. The writings were already displayed on the wall. Pep was never going to pick Yaya Toure in his team. Yaya Toure does not fit into Guardiola’s playing style. 

Ever since Guardiola was appointed manager of Man City, speculation on Toure’s future started to creep in.This is not the first time we are seeing Toure sidelined by the Spaniard. 

It happened at Barcelona where the Ivorian won the Champions League with the Catalans in 2008 -2009 with Pep at the helm. However, Toure never fit in the Tiki-taka formation and would soon find his feet in Manchester where he has grown into one of the World’s best midfielders.

And now it’s such a shame to see probably one of the greatest players to ever grace the famous sky blue shirt of Manchester City Football Club warming the bench.

Yaya Toure has been one of the most reliable servants over the last few years winning 2 Premier League Titles for the blue half of Manchester.

 He was one of the prominent players brought in by the club in 2010 to lead the Arab revolution that would transform Manchester City into an English Football powerhouse. 

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Toure has made 195 appearances for Man City notching 57 goals in the process and it is his influence on the team that saw him appointed vice captain of the club.
The Ivorian International’s ever presence in the Manchester City team was so huge that his mere absence through injury or when duty called back home would send the entire team in panic mode.

It is no secret that Manchester City have struggled over the years without the Ivorian but now it seems the curtains have fallen. 

Honestly, it is very surprising that Toure didn’t force a move away from Manchester during the transfer window. 

It has become evidently clear that Toure is not in Guardiola’s plans and it maybe a case of an old horse being led to the glue factory.

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

Football Journalist | TotalEnergies AFCON 2021 Photographer | Media Officer - Kabwe Warriors FC | Graphic Designer | Videographer