Yaya Toure’s recent appearance on the Premier League YouTube channel was a chance for him—and for us fans—to reminisce over his iconic eight years at Manchester City.
Toure was one of the first marquee signings of the new City era. Arriving from Barcelona in 2010, Toure quickly became a mainstay in the starting XI and would remain a vital cog in the City machine for the next eight seasons, winning three league titles and cementing himself as one of the best midfielders of the 2010s.
Toure would strike up a formidable partnership with Man City and Spain legend David Silva, blending size and skill like few before him. Though Toure was a monster of a man at 6’3, he relished the technical aspects of the game and would not be constricted by his frame to be a one-dimensional defensive midfielder.
When Fernandinho arrived in 2013, Toure’s talent was allowed to shine in a more advanced role. Over the next two seasons, he would bag 30 league goals and 11 assists, producing moments of magic like only Yaya could.
Yaya Toure claims Sergio Aguero often didn’t pass back
When looking back at his long-range curler against Newcastle in the penultimate game of the 2011/12 season, Toure recalls a moment of doubt before passing the ball to his No. 9.
“Aguero was shouting at me, asking for the ball. But I knew sometimes when me and Aguero play together, sometimes he doesn’t pass the ball back you know!” Toure said.
Aguero—Manchester City’s all-time leading goalscorer—was a killer during his time at the Etihad and could be forgiven for the odd moment of selfishness. Aguero and Toure were a dominant pairing and the big Ivorian seems to get enjoyment from calling out his old partner in crime.
He continued: “I knew if I gave him the ball, he’s not stupid, I know he’s gonna give me the ball back… he passed me the ball at the right time and I don’t even have to control the ball once. It was a great, great move and an important goal. ”
An important goal indeed. The strike cemented Toure as a City legend with that goal putting them in pole position to go on and win their first league title in 44 years in a dramatic final-day clash with QPR—you know the one.
What was Yaya Toure’s favourite Manchester City goal ever in the Premier League?
Of the eight goals in contention for Toure’s best in the Premier League, he picks a fantastic team move against Crystal Palace in the 2013/14 season.
Picking up a loose ball in his own half, Toure showcased his deceptive elegance and close control on the turn, before linking up with Edin Dzeko and Samir Nasri with neat one-touch passing, putting him through on goal.
In typical Yaya fashion, he used his strength to shrug off and sit down the trailing defender before shifting the ball onto his weaker foot and curling his finish around the would-be blocker into the top corner.
It’s a goal that embodies Yaya Toure—dominance, balance, and that touch of class.