In the latest episode of SafePlay, Omar Da Fonseca didn’t hesitate for a second: for the former player turned consultant, Yaya Touré is the best defensive midfielder of the last twenty years.
During the show hosted by Nico Colombien and Adio Lala, the Argentine was clear and firm: “The best defensive midfielder in history over the last twenty years is… Mr. Yaya Touré.” That’s a bold statement, almost provocative, especially when names like Sergio Busquets, N’Golo Kanté, and Casemiro dominate the conversation. For Da Fonseca, there’s no doubt about it.
Yaya Touré: Much More Than a Defensive Midfielder
To reduce Yaya Touré to just a “defensive midfielder” would be a mistake. Trained in Eastern Europe before making his mark at the highest level, the Ivorian stood out for his exceptional versatility.
At FC Barcelona, he won the 2009 Champions League, sometimes playing as a central defender in big matches. But it was at Manchester City that his career truly took off.
Versatile, powerful, and technical, Touré could win the ball back, organize play, push forward, and even score. His dribbling, physical strength, and impact in big matches played a huge role in the rise of the Citizens to the top of the Premier League, redefining the role of the modern midfielder.
