Toure: Gerrard can produce more magic
Kolo Toure learned first-hand why Steven Gerrard is so revered around Anfield as the man for big occasions and the one to provide that spark when the stakes are sky high.
On April 8, 2008, Toure's Arsenal were on the brink of a famous Champions League quarter-final triumph after Emmanuel Adebayor struck in the 84th minute of their second-leg clash on Merseyside.
His goal, which silenced Anfield, meant the scores were locked at 3-3 on aggregate and that Arsene Wenger's men were destined for the final four of the competition by virtue of two away goals.
However, Liverpool had other ideas. Ryan Babel burst into the penalty area, where he was hauled to the floor, the referee signalled a penalty and all eyes, once again, fell on Gerrard.
As the stadium held its breath, the Reds captain stepped up to swipe the ball beyond Manuel Almunia, steer the home side back into the driving seat and break Arsenal hearts.
Today, on the 10th anniversary of Gerrard's stunning last-gasp goal against Olympiacos, Toure has praised the skipper's presence and outlined how his input can be crucial on another massive night against FC Basel on Tuesday.
"Steven is a man for great days," he told the Liverpool Echo. "He makes the magic when no-one can make it. That is why he is one of the best players in the world.
"His age is nothing, people just keep talking but if you have a player like that in your dressing room it is very important with his experience.
"When he came on against Sunderland he made a difference. You could see the energy he brought to the team.
"Players like that don't need 90 minutes to make the difference - only 20 or 30 minutes. I am really happy to have him as a captain first and as a man because he is a great player."
The quest for Toure and his teammates is simple - they must defeat Basel if they are to qualify for the knockout stages of this year's Champions League. Any other result on the night simply will not do for Brendan Rodgers' side.
The Swiss side, therefore, need only a point from the game to ensure they make it out of Group B - and Toure insists the home side must strike a balance between attack and defence on what promises to be a typically vociferous occasion in L4.
"We know it is a must-win game against Basel, it is like a final for us," he said. "We have to defend well but we will also take some risks to win the game and we will push from the back.
"I think tactically they will be better than Sunderland and going forward they are going to be really dangerous as they have quick and intelligent players. But we will give 100 per cent to try to win.
"I know the fans will be fantastic for us. We know when a great time comes they are always there. It is up to us to up the tempo and put this Basel team under pressure."