It’s been a disappointing season for Manchester City; another Premier League title defence over almost before it began, another unceremonious end to their pursuits in Europe after losing to Barcelona earlier this month.
Now facing an ageing squad – actually the oldest in the Premier League – big changes are expected at the Etihad this summer, with some reports suggesting the Citizens will scrap one of their biggest stars – freescoring, playmaking, monolithic midfielder Yaya Toure, as claimed by The Guardian.
The Ivory Coast international is a sensational talent and one of the few centre-mids in world football who can combine world-class athleticism with world-class distribution and a world-class goal tally. Yet, at 31 years of age, Toure’s become more workshy than ever, which is continuing to cost Man City in big games. Likewise, £240 key per-week, even for the Sheik-owned Etihad outfit, is a rather unjustifiable sum when you’re not regularly claiming silverware.
So with that in mind, here’s FIVE potential midfield successors to Yaya Toure, sharing his dynamic and athletic style. Could we see the reigning English champions launch a bid for one of them this summer?
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KEVIN DE BRUYNE
Whether former Chelsea flop Kevin De Bruyne possesses the physicality and discipline to play regularly in central midfield remains to be seen. But the tabloids have mooted the Belgium international as a potential Yaya Toure replacement for one specific reason – his incredible output since leaving Stamford Bridge for Wolfsburg in January 2014.
In the 18 months since, the attacking midfielder has amassed 12 goals and 22 assists in 42 Bundesliga outings – including 16 league set ups this season, only matched throughout Europe’s five leading top flights by Chelsea’s Cesc Fabregas.
Also averaging three shots, 3.1 created chances and 2.9 successful dribbles per-match, De Bruyne is finally emerging into the world-beating midfielder he’s been long-heralded to become.
According to the player’s agent however, he’s valued as highly as €60million by Die Wolfe, as reported by International Business Times.
PAUL POGBA
In terms of stature and style, few midfielders across the continent echo the world-class services of Yaya Toure with as much resonance as Juventus star Paul Pogba.
Since dumping Manchester United for the Old Lady in summer 2012, the France international has emerged as one of the most exciting midfielders in world football, combining a beastly 6 foot 2 frame with a fluid dribbling ability, creativity and goals, earning him Europe’s prestigious Golden Boy award for 2013.
Averages of 2.5 tackles, 1.5 chances created and 3 successful dribbles per match in Serie A this term, whilst netting seven times in 21 starts, summarises the 22 year-old’s action-packed all round game. He lacks Toure’s orchestrating manner in possession, but more than makes up for it in athleticism and output.
Set to record a third consecutive league title with the Turin side, Pogba could move on this summer. Earlier this month however, he was lumped with a £141million price-tag – as reported by Goal.com.
JORDAN HENDERSON
A lack of home-grown talent has become a real problem for Manchester City over the last few years, so Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson is certainly an option worth considering.
The Reds midfielder isn’t up to Yaya Toure’s standard just yet, but the domineering manner in which he shackled the Ivory Coast star during Liverpool’s recent 2-1 win over the Citizens said all about the England international’s power, energy and tenacity. Likewise, should he continue to develop at the rate of the last few seasons, he’ll soon be edging onto Toure territory.
A limited ability in possession is perhaps the 24 year-old’s biggest flaw, but he’s really improved on his output this term, claiming five goals and seven assists in 28 Premier League starts.
An impeccably industrious dynamo and a natural leader, Henderson’s already been pencilled in as Liverpool’s next skipper when Steven Gerrard departs for the MLS this summer – so convincing the Anfield outfit to sell will be no easy task.
That being said, he’s continued to stall on negotiations regarding a new contract, and with his current deal set to expire at the end of next season, a resolve-testing bid in the summer would certainly have Liverpool thinking twice.
ANDRE GOMES
Certainly still a raw talent, but Andre Gomes has emerged as one of the continent’s most sought-after youngsters ahead of the summer window, recently linked with a £36million move to either Chelsea or Manchester United by The Express.
The Portugal international has spent the season with Valencia – initially on loan and then purchased permanently from Benfica in January – contributing an impressive four goals in his first 21 La Liga appearances.
Additionally, the 21 year-old is quick, skilful and industrious, averaging two successful tackles per match this season and regularly switching between defensive, central and attacking midfield.
He’s an emerging prospect that comes with some risk, but potentially a huge reward.
ARTURO VIDAL
Juventus lay claim to some of the best midfielders in world football, which is why a second has made his way onto this list.
Boasting many similarities to Paul Pogba in terms of dynamic box-to-box servitude is Arturo Vidal, who’s bagged 34 goals in 114 Serie A appearances since joining Juve in 2011, helping fire the Old Lady to an almost mathematically-confirmed fourth consecutive Serie A title.
He’s powerful and industrious yet formidable in the final third, epitomised best by the combination of three tackles per match in Serie A and six goals – in addition to two assists – in just 18 league stars.
Manchester United were strongly linked with the Chile international last summer, but were eventually deterred by his knee problems, which have limited his playing time this season.
That makes the 27 year-old a bit of a risk, but when fully fit he’s undoubtedly up there with the best midfielders in the world.