Saw a bit of City's thrashing of Porto today and when Toure was sprinting up the pitch with the ball at his feet, I swear I was watching Vieira again. Similar builds and styles of play, Toure can spray a ball around and break up an attack - or maybe it's just me? Anyway, I always liked to watch Vieira boss a midfield and Toure is class. And now, I shall be back to work...
Re: Yaya Toure = Patrick Vieira Vieira basically invented the attacking defensive mid, and Toure is the best in the world at it today. When I was at the Cottage [sigh] for the Man City match earlier in the season, Fulham dropped back in the first half and Yaya sat there like a shotgun quarterback hitting pass after pass that sliced up our defense. It was an awesome display. We put some pressure on him in the second half -- made him actually defend -- and he was more human as we rallied from 0-2 down to draw. Did I mention I was there? :banana-guitar: :banana-dance: :banana-linedance: :banana-jumprope: :happy-jumpeveryone:
Great post Nev, Arse has never replaced Vieira (like that's possible) or at least adequately attempted to do so. In the Prem, you need that boss in charge to 'grind' out the results * when pretty football isn't getting the desired result.
Thanks, SCJ. Agree that Wenger's previous sides had a bit of steel about them to go with the beautiful football - not so much anymore. Injuries are to account, but there hasn't been anything to replace the old guard - Arshavin, Chamkhah or Gervinho are no Bergkamp...or they moved away (Nasri, Toure, Fabergas). RVP is not long for the Emirates...
