Thierry Henry hails Yaya Toure's performance in Man City's victory over Hull
Tuesday 27 December 2016 11:14, UK
Thierry Henry believes a "fitter" Yaya Toure can continue playing football for a very long time at Manchester City.
The Ivorian, who made his first Premier League start in November after apologising to Pep Guardiola for past "misunderstandings", was named man of the match in Man City's 3-0 win over Hull on Boxing Day.
He scored City's opener from the penalty spot and played a key role in their third, a Curtis Davies own goal.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Thierry Henry pinpointed Toure's improved fitness as the main reason behind his fine form.
"He is fitter," Henry said. "In all fairness, it looked like it was over for him at one point at Man City. It shows that when you work to get back on track, whether you are Yaya Toure or whoever, you can have the chance to play again.
"He is playing, he deserves it and he backed up his performance against Arsenal.
"We saw a vintage in a certain way. Maybe not with his usual runs that he used to make, but now, because Yaya is a clever player with a technical ability to play quickly, he can play football for a very long time. You have to be fit for that.
"One thing I liked about the game today was how many times he stopped a counter-attack. That means he was in the right place.
"I don't think last year he would have tracked or followed anyone trying to have an impact on the counter. Now he is fit and that is the main thing for me."
Toure's 72nd-minute penalty, his third consecutive Boxing Day goal, was also his third of the league season, helping City climb to second in the table.
Sky Sports football expert Jamie Redknapp added: "His passing today was exceptional. He was the most influential player on the pitch.
"When they needed someone to grab the game by the scruff of the neck, he did.
"In football we have short memories because in that last year people were talking about how little he ran. He is one of the best midfield players we have ever seen in this league, up there with people like Patrick Vieira and Steven Gerrard.
"He is an immense footballer and it is so good to see him strutting his stuff again."
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