Everton midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin has been compared with Premier League great Yaya Toure by Bundesliga expert Daniel Pinder, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo.
Toure dominated English top-flight oppositions for years in Manchester City’s ranks, with a powerful game and an eye for goal from outside the box that would rival a range of strikers who have tried their hand at forging a Premier League career.
On his day, he was almost unplayable, looking like a grown-up man taking on a youth side, as he breezed his way past opponents to earn a reputation as one of the finest and most consistent central midfielders of his generation.
Even at 32, the former Barcelona midfielder – who played a part in the Catalan giant clinching an unprecedented six trophies during the 2009 calendar year – was able to drive City to the top of the table, and saw his name listed on the Fifa Ballon d’Or shortlist for the fourth straight year in 2015.
And Pinder sees plenty of reasons why Gbamin should be compared with his compatriot, as our £25million summer signing is up there amongst the best when it comes to his tackling, has great athleticism and the 6 ft 1 midfielder is showing a more mature side to himself on the field.
“In Jean-Philippe Gbamin, Everton has signed someone who is always improving and shows a willingness to learn,” he said.
“In his first season at Mainz, he picked up three red cards. But if you compare that to last season, he picked up just three yellows in total in the Bundesliga. He’s a lot more disciplined, and isn’t as rash as he once was while he’s also improved technically.
“Gbamin is extremely athletic, possessing great energy, while his tackling is up there amongst the best. He’ll always give everything, and the comparisons to Yaya Toure aren’t far off.”