Mancini: Toure reminds me of Ruud

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has praised his influential midfielder Yaya Toure, describing him as being ‘like Ruud Gullit’.

The Ivorian was instrumental in his side’s potentially title-clinching win over Newcastle on Sunday, scoring twice late on to further loosen United’s grip on the Premier League trophy.

Although Mancini insists the midfielder is not carrying the team on his own, he is well aware of the attributes the 28-year-old brings to the team and has compared him to the Netherlands’ Euro 1988-winning captain Gullit.

“Yaya is fantastic because he has everything – he is strong, quick, has good technique, and can play in different positions,” Mancini told reporters.

“He is like (Ruud) Gullit for me – a player of that kind. But he can’t play alone – he needs another 10 players.”

As well as underlining the class Toure has, the Italian has also hailed the experience the Ivory Coast international brings to the side.

Before joining the Blues, Toure lifted seven major trophies in three seasons with Spanish giants Barcelona, including two league titles, a Champions League and a FIFA Club World Cup.

And Mancini believes the winning mentality Toure brings to the team is invaluable.

“It is clear he has class – if he didn’t we wouldn’t have bought him,” he said.

“He also has big experience as he has played for Barça and has that winning mentality. But he is also a good guy, which is another important asset.”

Toure’s adaptability has also been a big reason behind his success at the club since joining in 2010, after being deployed to protect the back four, advance the midfield or play behind the striker, and Mancini believes the Ivorian’s ability to play in numerous positions has seen him become one of Europe’s top players.

“When you are a top player you can play in every position, and for me Yaya is one of the best players in Europe,” he added.