Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure believes he has been able to make an impression on the Premier League due to his scientific approach to football. The Ivory Coast international is one of four English-based players amongst this year's Ballon d'Or nominees and he says that his most crucial education in the game came whilst starting his career at Belgian side Beveren.
"At the academy, coach Jean-Marc Guillou was the teacher," he told France Football.
"He taught us how to play, but above all, how to understand football. Because football is a science. If you don't understand, you cannot reach the highest level.
"In football you have to be fit, above all in England. In Spain, sometimes you can walk or make long passes to get a short rest, but not here. I am a 30-year-old so I take care of my body to recover well.
"Football is primarily a science. A bit like physicists who try throughout their careers to crack a scientific code, I'm trying to break all the mysteries of football."
"I admit I spend more time with coaches. Mancini and I exchanged many things. He knew I loved strategic and tactical work. The goal is not to leave any room for doubt or chance.
"I talk a lot with Pellegrini too. He understands what I like. I am a fanatic of this game and constantly looking for explanations, like a professor who wants to constantly complete his knowledge.
"For me, football is primarily a science. A bit like physicists who try throughout their careers to crack a scientific code, I'm trying to break all the mysteries of football."
