Yaya Touré is remembered for thunderbolts from 30 yards. At Manchester City he was just as dependable from 12.
The Ivorian was a big man with a calm head. When he walked up to take a penalty, goalkeepers tended to have a long afternoon. He hit the ball with power, but he also put it where he wanted, which is the combination every penalty taker is after and few manage for long. City supporters still bring up his record from the spot.
Yaya Touré's record from the spot
- penalties in City's 2011-12 season, when they won the Premier League title
- a conversion rate of better than 80% over his Premier League career
- spot kicks in FA Cup and League Cup ties, often with a lot riding on them
- four African Footballer of the Year awards in a row, from 2011 to 2014
Touré was a complete midfielder who could do everything, including scoring from the spot with the calm of someone ordering his usual at a favourite restaurant. He was not the flashiest penalty taker on this list, and he did not try to be. He was one of the most reliable, and when it mattered, he delivered.
Next up tomorrow: number 29.
