Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini believes that Yaya Toure would be a worthy recipient of the PFA Player of the Year award this season.

The 30-year-old has spearheaded City's title bid by hitting 17 Premier League goals - 21 in all competitions - as the Sky Blues sit within three points of leaders Chelsea with two games in hand.

However, the Ivorian faces stiff competition for the individual prize in the form of Liverpool hitman Luis Suarez who, with 28 league goals to his name, is odds-on favourite for the gong.

"I think [Toure] has had a very good season so far, we hope he can continue. Hopefully we win the title and he can be the best player," he told reporters.

"I don't want to compare him with anyone - both [he and Suarez] have had amazing seasons so far. But they must try to finish the season in the same way. And after that it will be the same as the fight for the title."

Pellegrini's troops face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening.