Why Manchester City simply must tie Yaya Toure down to a new deal

Manchester City gave their chances of finishing in the Premier League’s top four a huge boost after dismantling Crystal Palace 5-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola’s side knew they could pile the pressure on the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, and Arsenal with victory in the early kick-off, and they did just that thanks to a commanding performance in the North West.

Goals from David Silva, Vincent Kompany, Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, and Nicolas Otamendi sealed a comprehensively win for the Citizens, who moved four points clear of neighbours United after they lost 2-0 at Arsenal on Sunday.

And it means that Guardiola’s men are now well-lodged inside the top four and a Champions League spot is almost assured, although they’ll still need wins from their final three games to be certain of their participation in Europe’s elite competition next term.

Although City still have some work to be done, it hasn’t stopped speculation arising about potential incomings and outgoings at the Etihad Stadium this summer, and one man linked with a move away throughout the campaign has been midfielder Yaya Toure.

The 33-year-old has yet to agree an extension to his contract which ends this summer, and with reported interest from other Premier League sides, he won’t be short of suitors should no deal materialise over the coming weeks.

However, the Manchester club must offer Toure a new deal beyond the summer as he remains a key part of things at the Etihad Stadium.

The former Ivory Coast international was frozen out by Guardiola at the start of the campaign and, given that City started the campaign with ten straight wins in all competitions, it didn’t look like there was any way back for him at the club.

Yet he apologised to Guardiola and subsequently earned himself a starting berth against Crystal Palace on November 19, and he hasn’t looked back since, firing a brace in that game and adding four other goals as well as three assists in all competitions for the Citizens.

In fact, since returning to the side against Palace, the industrious midfielder has started 18 of their 23 league games, and came off the bench in three others, which itself is indicative of how integral he remains to this City side.

And his performances in recent times further suggests that he still has much to give to Guardiola’s team.

He was excellent in their victories over Hull and Southampton last month and, although he was on the losing team at Wembley against Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final, Toure produced a performance we have become accustomed to since his arrival in England back in 2010 – full of drive and strength.

And City will undoubtedly need that in the forthcoming seasons, as midfields in the Premier League are getting physically stronger and more powerful, and that Toure is arguably the best in the division at doing it from the centre of midfield.

The 33-year-old regularly goes on industrious runs to turn defence into attack quickly, and when he gets up a head of steam, he’s almost impossible to stop.

He also shows power in the tackle to demonstrate a defensive contribution, yet going forward he has a keen eye for a pass, shows great composure in front of goal, and can retain possession under pressure with ease – he gives them a measure of control.

There’s no doubt that, over his time at the Etihad Stadium, Toure has earned a new deal.

He has often been integral when City have needed a goal or some control in the midfield, he even made the PFA Team of the Year in both of their title-winning campaigns to emphasise his significance.

In fact, with a huge overhaul expected at the club this summer, retaining Toure and his Premier League and trophy-winning experience may prove vital as Guardiola’s side go in search of major honours next season.

Overall, there’s little doubt that City should tie the 33-year-old down to a new deal as soon as possible.