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Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has likened midfielder Yaya Toure to Dutch legend Ruud Gullit.
Toure bagged a brace in the 2-0 win over Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Sunday to take City within touching distance of winning the Premier League and when asked if he had seen anyone like the powerful midfielder before, Mancini declared:
‘He is like Gullit for me – a player of that kind. But he can’t play alone – he needs another ten players.’
Toure started the Newcastle game as a holding midfielder before moving into an attacking role in the second half. He has also played as a sweeper for Haarlem and famously played as a central defender in the 2009 Champions League final victory for Barcelona over Manchester United.
The tactical switch at Newcastle led to Toure’s goal-scoring breakthrough and Mancini hailed the Ivorian’s versatility, something Gullit was also famed for.
‘Yaya is fantastic because he has everything – he is strong, quick, has good technique, and can play in different positions.
‘When you are a top player you can play in every position, and for me Yaya is one of the best players in Europe.’
Toure has become the man for the big occasion during his time at City with winning goals in both the FA Cup semi-final win against Manchester United and final victory over Stoke City and Mancini has stated it was his experience and quality that persuaded City to sign him.
‘It is clear he has class – if he didn’t we wouldn’t have bought him!
‘He also has big experience as he has played for Barca and has that winning mentality. But he is also a good guy, which is another important asset.’
