Yaya Touré

50 Top Soccer Player their trade today, based on a combination of current form, potential and overall ability.  Ranking  determined by a panel of contributors to ESPN's soccer.

Yaya Toure   Rank Player 48

Profile
Full name                    Gnégnéri Yaya Touré
Birth date                    May 13, 1983
Birth place                  Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire
Height                        1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)
Playing position           Midfielder
Current club               Manchester City
Number                     42
Previous team            FC Barcelona

Biography
Yaya Touré is an Ivorian footballer who plays as a midfielder for Premier League club Manchester City and the Côte d'Ivoire national team. He plays with the name Touré Yaya on his jersey. He is renowned for combining speed and physical power with technique and has 58 caps for Côte d'Ivoire, representing the team in their first appearance in a FIFA World Cup, in the 2006 competition as well as in 2010. He is the younger brother of his Côte d'Ivoire and Manchester City teammate Kolo Touré. He also has a younger brother named Ibrahim who currently plays for Egyptian side Makasa.

Scouting thumbnail
Huge presence in midfield who protects the defense and is an aerial force as well. Complements offense with powerful surging runs.