European Champions Bayern Munich will entertain former English champions Manchester City at the Allianz Arena ,in a contest which will be giving us a preview of what's going to transpire in the Round of 16.Although,both sides have booked their respective places in the next round but it will be interesting to see who turns out to be better.
However, one aspect of the fixture that looks likely to be identical to then is the midfield matchup that’s set to unravel between Yaya Toure and Bastian Schweinsteiger..Both these midfielders have enjoyed a huge amount of success and recognition in their careers,whether it be for their clubs or for their nations.So,let's compare these two central midfielders who never ever feel shy of moving forward.
We all might be knowing that both of these are one of the best midfield talents in the world right now,and can operate anywhere on a football pitch.Bastian originally kick started his career as a winger on the right under former Bayern manager Luis van Gaal but as soon as he began playing as deep-lying or a centre midfielder,his fortunes and destiny transformed entirely.
While, Yaya Toure's story is different.He began his footballing career at Monaco,where his boss László Bölöni played him as a striker but he actually preferred to play in a central midfield role,which he got after the sacking of Bölöni.
Each of the two players tend to play a more box-to-box for their respective side but Bastian looks much accomplished as a defensive midfielder.Yaya Toure loves to move forward and keeps the marker,defender and the keeper on their toes.Both seem to play a similar role but have majorly differing responsibilities.
Toure,for me is arguably City's most influential and affective player on the pitch,given his abilities and vision.The midfield marvel has scored 7 goals so far this season,with a majority of them coming through well-placed free kicks.While Schweinsteiger’s input is equally as effective in its own regard, his is a far more relaxed approach to the game, still contributing much to the fluidity of Pep Guardiola’s strategy but not quite as directly involved in the attack.
Yaya has been able to pass the ball with a percentage of 90% while his tomorrow's counterpart edges just ahead with 91%.Bastian doesn't score goals but he's the reason why Bayern boast so much about their domination and greatness.He possesses that kind of flair which Toure also possesses but Toure's ability comes into play only up-front and not at the back.
Schweinsteiger is much more stable and compact in a defensive midfield position and can move forward if needed.Toure's so called "box to box" role isn't much evident as his ball touches and movements can be observed more up-front.The Ivorian is far more versatile and can be handed in the role of a winger or an attacking midfielder.While Bastian looks more comfortable in the defensive role,being compact and rock solid.
I'd say ,In short, Bayern are capable of doing a lot more as a Schweinsteiger-less attack than Manchester City are capable of sans Yaya Toure, and it’s an encounter that’s likely to decide just how many opportunities either side sees in attack.
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