Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola had picked one-time out of favour Yaya Toure, in only one of City’s previous 19 games this season – a Champions League qualifying play-off second leg against Steaua Bucharest in August.
But the City boss says he has been impressed by the player’s application while he was out of favour and feels he has a part to play in his side’s title challenge.
“The last month and a half, Yaya was amazing in training,” Guardiola explained.
“His behaviour is absolutely everything.
“His team-mates love him. He is going to help us to rotate the team, we need that.
“I am so happy for Yaya, he is a really nice guy. His weight is perfect now, and there are no doubts about his quality.
“At the beginning we did not count on him, he would not be here, but he can play many positions and we have one more man to help us achieve our targets.”
The 33-year-old Ivorian was a shock selection at Selhurst Park for his first Premier League game this season.
He was given a noisy reception by the travelling City fans, who chanted his name throughout the game, and his efforts were also appreciated by his team-mates, who clapped him back into the dressing room at the final whistle.
“My team-mates are very important to me,” added Toure. “They have always been brilliant with me, always supportive.
“I always want to be there to help them. I am professional, I always want to improve my game.”
