Cote D’Ivoire defeated Ghana in a penalty shootout 9-8 following a goalless 120 minutes in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in February, allowing the Elephants to lift the trophy and earn the title of African champion for the second time in their history. Toure captained the team to victory, and lifted the trophy to finally crown the golden generation of Ivorian football with the top African national team trophy, which is an incredible achievement that many before him failed to do.
The best players in world football have one thing in common – consistency. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are so consistent in their excellent form, and that is what puts them top of the pile of footballers, but Toure is another player who should be valued more due to his consistency, as he is a reliable midfielder who always gives his best, and though he is not flawless, he makes far fewer mistakes than his peers and is certainly valued by his team-mates for that fact.
The tough-tackling midfielder approaches his career in a focused way, treating it as he would any work, that needs to be completed with dedication and the right ethic. Along with his high work rate in matches, he displays an incredible determination to win every tackle and complete every pass, putting him in a league of his own when this is coupled with his great consistency. His determination is also often visible when he undertakes his marauding runs forward in search of a goal.
On the subject of goals, the younger brother of Kolo Toure is a prolific goalscorer considering his position in holding midfield, and his primary focus of breaking up the play before launching attacks. During the last five seasons he is able to boast a return of more than 50 goals at his club, which is a more than admirable return for a striker, let alone a defensive midfielder.
The former Barcelona player understands the physicality and demands of the game in England, where he has been a force in midfield for Manchester City, displaying his superb athletic ability and the strength that he possesses. Known for his physical presence, Toure found it easy to adapt to the English top flight, while many players struggle with the pace and power required.
The midfielder has played for two top teams in two of the best European leagues, representing La Liga club Barcelona from 2007 to 2010 before moving to Manchester City in the English Premier League. In both of those leagues he was a feared and respected player amongst his opponents, proving his pedigree on the highest stage. He also played in Greece and France before Barca, impressing in midfield for Olympiacos and Monaco.
Toure said this to the press during the recent season, explaining that he believes African players are not offered the same positive exposure as Europeans are, despite the fact that Africa can count on many world class footballers. Perhaps this is another reason why Toure himself remains an underrated player amongst many of his peers, despite his incredible value to both club and country.
Four consecutive African Player of the Year awards do not lie, and he is nominated for another this year, which he may just scoop to make it a record five awards to his name. In addition, he is the only African player amongst a list of 23 players from around the globe for the FIFA Balon d’Or, which recognises the best player in the world. Surely this kind of consistent recognition demonstrates his quality.
Toure is not a player who is known only for his attacking prowess or his defensive discipline, but a combination of both. His dynamism and versatility make him a utility player who is incredibly valuable due to his ability to contribute in both facets of the game. Goalscoring and setting up opportunities for his team-mates, combined with a physicality and ability to breakdown opposition attacks with ease mean that Toure should be far more appreciated as a well-rounded midfielder.
Toure is a born leader, displaying qualities that any coach would want in a captain or senior player with influence behind the scenes. The respect he commands amongst his team-mates and the coaching staff is an indication of his leadership, as he leads by example. Captaining the Ivorian national team to glory is certainly not an easy task, but Toure did so with aplomb, setting an example for his fellow players and then guiding them on to victory.
