Top 5 African imports in Premier League history

#2. Yaya Toure

In the 2013/14 title-winning season, Yaya Toure scored an incredible 20 goals as a defensive midfielder

Former Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure can make a case of being the club’s greatest ever player after what was an incredible eight-year stay at the home of the current Premier League champions. The Ivorian could also be labelled as one the division’s best defensive midfielders of all time, such was his impact and influence on the English game.

Many would say that Yaya Toure kickstarted Manchester City’s resurgence as one of England’s elite teams after his match-winners in the FA Cup semi-finals and finals in 2010. His double at Newcastle United on the penultimate match-day often goes under-the-radar due to Sergio Aguero’s heroics on the final day.

The 36-year-old went onto lift three Premier League titles with three managers during his time at City, with the 2013/14 season surely being his personal best.

The box-to-box midfielder scored a remarkable 20 goals in the Premier League that season. Toure was unstoppable throughout the campaign and his stunning solo goal against Aston Villa in what was yet again the second-last game-week of the season summed up his unimaginable season.

He bolted in free-kicks, penalties, long-rangers and curlers and often made those trademark runs from midfield, showcasing his world-class talent week-in week-out.

In May 2018, the four-time African Player of the Year was given a tear-jerking farewell at the Etihad Stadium in front of the City faithful, as everyone reminisced what great things he had done for the club.