Four months ago, Yaya Touré emerged as a champion from a campaign in which he scored 20 goals, created 40 chances, successfully completed 90% of his passes, and registered nine assists.
His ferocious pace and explosive power propelled Manchester City through the remnants of incinerated defenders to their second Premier League title in three years, and his delicate technique rescued Manuel Pellegrini's side from an upset in the Capital One Cup final against Sunderland.
But Touré's heavy, phlegmatic style of play doesn't lend itself to such a juxtaposition of aggressive and graceful qualities. The Ivorian often appears disinterested in the heart of City's midfield, especially alongside the tenacity of Fernandinho, but a surging jaunt into the 18-yard-box would swiftly erase concerns over his commitment.
It's that unusual combination of characteristics that both enchants and confuses Manchester City fans. How can a player appear so casual one moment, and then offer an exhibition of sublime speed and monstrous muscle the next? It's what makes the 31-year-old unique, and it's what makes him the best box-to-box midfielder in world football.
(Touré was City's top goalscorer in the Premier League last term - via @Squawka)
The 2013/2014 campaign was Touré's most successful as an attacking midfielder. The Ivorian was signed as a versatile No.5 in the summer of 2010 and attracted the interest of Roberto Mancini with a number of solid performances in the centre of defence for Barcelona. The Italian was a defensive-minded manager, but he chaperoned the defensive midfielder's glittering transformation into one of the most fearsome attacking players in Europe during his reign at the Etihad Stadium. Manuel Pellegrini's philosophies encouraged even more progression.
It was always unlikely that the four-time CAF African Footballer of the Year would stroll into the 2014/2015 season and replicate the irresistible form he hit last term, especially at 31-years-old. Throw the tragic loss of a brother, a disappointing World Cup campaign and the interference of a gluttonous agent into the equation, and expectations of a predatory start to the new season become even more ridiculous.
Yaya Touré may have shown inhuman qualities in City's latest title winning crusade, but the man is still vulnerable to the physical and emotional demands of both the profession and everyday life.
(The Ivorian has been unable to maintain the form he hit during Manchester City's latest title winning campaign)
His performance against Bayern Munich on Wednesday night summarised his underwhelming start to the season. City's Player of the Year lumbered aimlessly around the field for 90 minutes, leaving Fernandinho with the unenviable task of plugging a fluid Bavarian midfield. Defensively, he offered nothing, and even when he was moved into a more attacking role later in the game, he took it as an opportunity to replenish his oxygen levels rather than to help the team snatch a goal. It was a dreadful performance.
But Touré looked undaunted by Jerome Boateng's 90th minute winner. He embraced his former boss Pep Guardiola with a toothy smile at the end of the game and giggled as his exhausted teammates crawled down the tunnel. His nonchalance infuriated Manchester City fans both in the stands and on social media, and the curious display of arrogance raised questions over the midfielder's ability to influence Manuel Pellegrini's side in the future.
(The 31-year-old shares a joke with former manager Pep Guardiola after City's 1-0 loss to Bayern Munich on Wednesday)
Concerns over the midfielder's attitude are warranted, but questioning his ability is an overreaction. Touré remains a vital cog in the heart of Manchester City's field and can still alter the momentum of a game with one swing of the right boot. The Ivorian offers formidable presence and will continue to intimidate opponents with his Herculean frame throughout the season. His vision, awareness in possession and appetite for goals haven't deserted him, and although his energy and motivation levels may have taken a blow after such a difficult summer, his interminable list of attributes should not be ignored.
Dropping Touré this weekend would be unthinkable. Against a side like Chelsea that possesses such strength in the midfield, Yaya must be included in Manuel Pellegrini's starting eleven to counteract the muscle of Nemanja Matić. James Milner may put in more effort that than the African, and Frank Lampard will be desperate to impress against his former suitors, but quite simply, Touré is the better player, and the option José Mourinho would most like to see withdrawn by his Chilean counterpart.
(Yaya's strength must be employed to counteract the influence of Nemanja Matić in Chelsea's midfield on Sunday)
Yaya Touré's Manchester City career is undoubtedly approaching its final years. Soon, big-money moves for the likes of Ross Barkley and Paul Pogba are likely to be submitted, but it's unlikely that the Premier League champions will ever truly replace the best box-to-box midfielder the division has harboured for the last nine years.
Why replace him now?
