Top5 - Number 2: Yaya Toure (Cote d'Ivoire)

The talent of Yaya Toure has rose to prominence over the last 5 years and he continues to expand is incredible reputation. He started his professional career by floating around Europe and trying to find a secure club to call home, so when he had a trial at Arsenal at 20-years-old you would have thought that he would have grabbed it with both hands, however in a game against Barnet his performance was described as 'completely average' by Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.

After spells in Ukraine, France and Greece Toure hit the big time with a €10m move to Spanish giants Barcelona and mustered a respectable 117 appearances for Blaugrana. However, the introduction of Pep Guardiola saw chances grow limited for the big Ivorian and he was told he could leave the club after 3 years at Camp Nou, and he jumped at the chance to join Manchester City. Since his switch he has blossomed into one of the greatest central midfielders in today's game and was the linchpin in City's first league win in 44 years.

The strength of Toure is incredible, and paired with his creativity it makes him a massive problem to any opposing teams. He seems impossible to stop when he goes on one of his driving runs, and his powerful shot has earned him the reputation of one of the most effective goal-scoring midfielders in the league. He can be deployed in a deep, anchor-man role for City, but is often pushed higher up the pitch because of his ability to rip defences apart with a pass.

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