Born with power and accuracy, Yaya Toure scored an array of impressive goals throughout his career, and to honour the legend, we’re looking back at his top five.
After signing for Manchester City in 2010, the midfielder made an instant splash, mesmerising fans at the Etihad with his incredible strength and eye for the perfect pass. But while he became best renowned for his awe-inspiring performances in the centre of the park, it’s fair to say he knew exactly how to find the back of the net. So, without further ado, let’s enjoy reminiscing over the remarkable player’s best finishes.
5) Yaya Toure vs Manchetser United – 2011
Toure was nothing if not opportunistic, and, in a crunch match-up with Manchester United in the 2011 FA Cup semi-final, he showcased just how vital his presence on the pitch could be.
Capitalising on a poor pass from Michael Carrick, the Ivory Coast international stormed past Nemanja Vidic before rendering Edwin van der Sar helpless with a tremendous strike.
4) Yaya Toure vs Stoke City – 2011
A month after his heroics against United, Toure blessed the fans with another piece of excellence. Following a back-and-forth 74 minutes, the FA Cup Final between ‘the ‘The Cityzens’ and Stoke needed a bit of magic. And the African icon delivered in abundance.
In a bid to find the winner, both Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli attempted to steer a David Silva cross into the back of the net, when Toure saved the day, charging into the box like a wild cheetah and hammering the ball home.
3) Yaya Toure vs Crystal Palace – 2014
While Toure was a player renowned for his composure, when he needed to spring into life, he certainly could. In the 43rd minute of a heated collision with Crystal Palace, the powerhouse bagged the ball in his own half and utilised his footballing IQ to exchange passes with Edin Dzeko and Samir Nasri, before driving past the defence and into the box.
READ MORE: FRANCK RIBERY: TOP FIVE GOALS OF THE BAYERN MUNICH LEGEND’S CAREER
He left Damien Delaney in the dust before curling the ball into the top corner in one of the best finishes you’ll ever see.
2) Yaya Toure vs Newcastle – 2012
With Manchester City on the cusp of their first league title in 44 years, the thriving club travelled to Newcastle with the pressure of the world on their shoulders. But while St James’ Park is a cauldron capable of intimidating even the most seasoned of professionals, Toure used the boos coming his way to fuel his fire.
With just twenty minutes left on the clock, he leapt onto the end of a Nigel De Jong pass from outside the box and effortlessly placed it into the bottom corner.
1) Yaya Toure vs Sunderland – 2014
Having lost their previous game to Sunderland, Manchester City had a point to prove when they hosted Sunderland. But things got off to a harrowing start when they found themselves a goal down.
Luckily, players like Toure never fall foul to the pressure. After receiving the ball from Pablo Zabaleta, the icon drilled the ball into the top of the net with laser-like precision to send his fans into raptures. Consequently, the momentum generated, motivated Samir Nasri, who later secured the winner to put ‘The Black Cats’ in their place.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
