Yaya Toure
Yaya Toure
Yaya Toure - the former Barcelona player, who has netted seven times this season, has been a formidable presence since his arrival to the Manchester City.
Also being shortlisted as one of the Ballon d'or award contestants, Yaya insists that he got his crucial education in the game 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.
"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.
The 30-year-old Ivorian also spoke of his influential discussion with Arsenal boss - Arsene Wenger.
"I remember a trial period I did at Arsenal when I was under contract at Beveren," he explained.
"Arsene Wenger told me: 'I can't see you as a defensive midfielder.' I replied: 'I want to be like Patrick Vieira.'
"He finally told me: 'You would be much more at ease to support a forward.' He told me staying in the midfield would be a mess.
"But I was convinced a bit back that I could blossom. Probably because it would allow me to be just like Patrick Vieira, my idol."