Yaya Toure's influence on Manchester City is often subject to the powerful midfielder's form and fitness.

When Toure is at his best, City often sparkle but when the Ivorian is sub-par, the reigning champions do not perform to expectations.

Former City manager Stuart Pearce believes that there is too much riding on the form of Toure and a team like City should not have to rely on the output of just one player.

"Where City have suffered historically is when Toure has either lost form or been away on African Nations tours," said Pearce on talkSPORT.

"Manchester City have suffered in regards to his driving force within the team.

"Some of the best ever performances City have put on you can probably pointy directly to him and say, look, this is the guy that has driven the team and put in performances which have been outstanding."