Yaya Toure's importance to City was again highlighted on Thursday as the team were beaten in his absence - through suspension - at Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League. The midfielder was missed when on international duty in January and February but returned to reinvigorate City's Barclays Premier League title charge with outstanding displays against Blackburn and Bolton.
With City just two points clear at the top with 11 games remaining, the 28-year-old is vital to his club's title hopes, and Kolo Toure said: "You know Yaya's quality - he is a great player. He is technically unbelievable - he can play up front, at the back, down the middle, anywhere. He is a great player."
He added: "The team helps him play well and he helps his team-mates. Obviously we have some great players in this team and we are glad we have him as well."
Yaya Toure should return as City look to protect their advantage at Swansea on Sunday. Kolo Toure is also likely to have a role to play with influential captain Vincent Kompany ruled out with a calf injury and his regular centre-back partner Joleon Lescott having a minor groin problem.
Right-back Pablo Zabaleta also remains sidelined with a hamstring injury but Micah Richards is expected to compensate for some of the defensive problems by returning.
City's title rivals Manchester United are also in action on Sunday as they host West Brom and Kolo Toure knows there is little room for error.
The 30-year-old said: "The season is long and in England there are no small teams. Every team will give their best and try to win against both teams [City and United].
"Every game we play between now and the end of the season is going to be massive for us.
"We will give it our all at Swansea. It is going to be a difficult game but we know with the quality we have, and the experience we have, we can do a good job."
Source: PA
Source: PA