Creativity
Yaya Toure is playing under what is considered a more direct, powerful approach at Manchester City, with generally less intricate passing and attempts to get the ball into the final third as quickly as possible, to allow the forwards to influence the game, Yaya Toure has looked to attack space and get involved as much as he can. With two goals and an assist under his name, the Ivorian is justifying the choice to bring him out of the defensive light, by giving him a freer role in the team, letting him stride up and down the pitch as he pleases. This is not always the case in the opening stages of games, but towards the hour mark, Mancini has given Yaya Toure a more advanced role in the side, letting him pick out passes that are more creative and getting within shooting range of goal.
Easy to see the winner here – Yaya Toure is in a class of his own here – a lot more chances created and three clear-cut chances created too which are chances that are put on the proverbial plate for a team-mate.
Attacking Play
Once again it’s Yaya Toure that is more active in this role and Abou Diaby has to add more of this to his game to become anything like or similar to Yaya Toure.
Abou Diaby
Conclusion
It is fair to say that it is very early days for the comparison between both the players to be made, but the signs are there for all to see. Although Diaby has not made a direct impact in games as Yaya Toure has done by contributing goals and assists, Diaby has been key in the development of Arsenal’s fluent passing moves, which have led to the goals they have scored, giving them the start to the season they have experienced. With an increasing influence in games, it will not be long before the Frenchman does chip in with his share of direct contribution in games, leading to further comparisons being made between the two.
Is it fair for comparisons to be made between these two players? Do you believe Diaby can have the same impact at Arsenal that Yaya Toure has had at Manchester? Share your views by commenting or through my Twitter account (situated below in the authors block).
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