Yaya Touré says Arsenal and England star Declan Rice is the current player that reminds him the most of himself.
Touré was a marauding central midfielder whose ability on and off the ball were vital elements during successful stints at Barcelona and Manchester City, and the now retired Ivorian believes Rice is the active player who most resembles his playing style.
“Declan Rice reminds me of myself because I think he has the capacity, the ability, the physical ability as well," Touré told Futbin.com. "To do it week in week out is difficult and very demanding but he can do it.
“Today's game is very demanding. When you see the schedule of the players from international to the leagues, it’s too many games but I think he can do it.
“I love when players want to develop and Declan has the mentality to do it.”
A hallmark of Touré's glistening career are the multiple trophies he won, including several La Liga and Premier League titles, a Champions League crown in 2009 and an AFCON title with Ivory Coast in 2015. To truly match up with Touré, Rice will need to add to his trophy case over several years.
Additionally, Touré says Rice cannot be considered the best midfielder in the world without leading his club and country to glory.
“He needs to be in a winning team because the team that wins the league has the best players," Touré explained.
"He’s competing with Rodri. You can’t underestimate Rodri for what he’s done and what he’s achieved with Man City and now with Spain. He’s a good player. He’s a competitor.
"Those two are there but Rodri has been winning more trophies than Declan. This year Declan has to change that. Winning trophies makes the difference.
“When you look at the details of Declan’s game in terms of winning the ball, running with the ball, going forward and dribbling, even assists. Declan is looking like what I was doing before. Trying to assist and dribble. Rodri is more build-up, reading the game very well, stopping counter attacks, passing. That’s the difference between them."
Watch Kevin Brown vs. John Bauza live September 6 on DAZN. Click here for details.