Nigel de Jong admits keeping Carlos Tevez is crucial to Manchester City's future.
Dutch hardman De Jong believes there are only a couple of strikers in the world who can be classed in the same bracket as the 27-year-old.
De Jong said: "The way he played underlines the quality he has as a striker.
"Where in Europe or in the world can you see a striker who has such a high-scoring rate, plus the work-rate Carlos has?
"He's compact and small but he wins every battle with every defender - where do you see that?
"Where can you find a striker similar to him? There are very few. There are maybe a couple but he is one of the greats at the moment.
"So it's important for the club that he stays here."
