The winger equalled his goal return of last season with two strikes against Swansea City on Sunday, and his team-mate believes their manager’s approach is proving key

Yaya Toure insists new Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has given Samir Nasri the freedom to return to his brilliant best.

The French attacker scored a double for the first time since December 2010 – when Arsenal beat Fulham 2-1 – as City rose to third in the table with a 3-0 win over Swansea City.

And Toure feels Pellegrini’s new tactical approach is affording Nasri a new-found freedom on the pitch, with Roberto Mancini’s plans too defensive-minded to allow him to express himself.

“When you look at Samir playing before at Arsenal, he has this same freedom now,” the Ivorian told reporters. “Pellegrini allows players like him to attack and enjoy this freedom and it’s fantastic for him and the club.

“When he signed for City, the first year was quite difficult for him. You have to understand tactically that first year was quite hard for him.

“He is such an offensive player and when you tell players like that to defend, it affects them. It’s not easy, but this year he is doing everything, he’s been amazing.

“This year we’re playing more attacking football. The focus of the team is on attack. The team play very well together and Samir has his freedom.

“I think we have missed David Silva a bit, but Samir is unbelievable, an incredible player. He made a fantastic impact against Swansea and scored two fantastic goals.”