Yaya’s Year? - The story behind Toure’s Ballon D’Or nomination

Manchester City’s Yaya Toure

Pele once predicted that an African country will win a World Cup by the year 2000. That dream never materialised but the continent has vastly improved across the board and has seen many players play at the top clubs all over Europe. George Weah stands alone as the sole African winner of the Ballon d’Or, but there have been plenty of contenders along the way. The best of the current crop is undoubtedly Ivory Coast’s Yaya Toure.

Who is Yaya Toure?

Born in Bouaké, Ivory Coast, in 1983, Yaya Touré began his career playing for Belgian side Beveren for two years before earning himself a trial at Arsenal in 2003. Despite showing potential, Arsene Wenger stalled on a deal for the 20-year old and he eventually signed for Ukrainian side Metalurh Donetsk, earning his first international cap whilst at the club. After a two-year stint in Ukraine, Touré signed a deal with Olympiacos and soon drew comparisons to Patrick Vieira due to his physical prowess and technical ability.

His steady rise in football was topped off in 2007 when he joined Spanish giants Barcelona after a stop-gap at Monaco. Arguably the greatest moment in his career to date, Touré played a pivotal role in the Catalan club’s treble winning 2008/09 season, but was growing tired of his more defensive role in Pep Guardiola’s system. A big money move to Manchester City has seen the Ivory Coast international excel in a more advanced role without abandoning his defensive responsibilities. Helping City to the 2011/12 Premier League crown, the box-to-box midfielder has become one of the few all-rounders left in the game; as capable defensively as in attacking areas, Touré is a massive asset to both club and country.

Major honours this year

Unfortunately for Touré, Manchester City failed to regain their first Premier League title last season and exited the Champions League at the group stage. Despite helping himself to two goals during the Africa Cup of Nations, he was unable to prevent them from being eliminated in the quarter-final stage, again failing to live up to expectations as the pre- tournament favourites.

Key stats

Since the turn of the year Yaya Touré has become the set-piece king at the Etihad and has scored seven goals for the club. His talents don’t end there though, laying on three assists and registering an 89% pass completion rate. Touré also stands out defensively, coming out on top in 22 of his 29 tackles since January and underlining his ability all over the pitch. The Ivorian has completed more passes than any other Premier League player so far this season.

Yaya Toure stats

Does he deserve his nomination?

Without a doubt. Touré stands out as one of the best in the business and is arguably one of the best midfielders in the Premier League at present. He dictates the play for his club side and it’s a shame that he doesn’t have a few medals to compliment his consistently brilliant performances over the past year.

Does he have a chance of winning?

Not a prayer. Unfortunately for Yaya, his undoubted ability doesn’t come close to that of the favourites for this year’s crown and corruption claims would be rife if the Manchester City man even came close to winning the Ballon d’Or. George Weah looks set to continue his title as being the only African winner of the prize for the foreseeable future. If Manchester City were to make a real impact on the continental stage by impressing in the Champions League, it’s not completely unforeseeable that he could one day take home the most prestigious individual prize in world football.