Barca, Real, Bayern will be quaking at prospect of facing Man City, Sky Sports pundit adds
Friday 16 February 2018 11:13, UK
Premier League clubs are now the dominant force in Europe and their achievements in the Champions League should not be downplayed, says Paul Merson.
Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham all shone in the Champions League this week, earning positive results which left all of them in pole position to reach the quarter-finals.
And Merse highlighted Spurs' come-from-behind 2-2 draw at Serie A champions Juventus as evidence Europe's top sides are unable to cope with the Premier League's brand of football.
"What Tottenham did to Juventus was mind-blowing," he told The Debate.
"We don't give credit when credit is due in this country, we often put great results down to luck or the opposition having an off day.
"Spurs were 2-0 down to a last season's finalists, a team that had won 10 on the trot, and came back to dominate. They were phenomenal - I loved watching them.
"They took the game to Juventus. They were so much better that they were scary. For me, that told us the Premier League is right up there.
"Our clubs played at the pace of the Premier League with power and pace, and teams couldn't live with us."
Liverpool thrashed Portuguese champions Porto 5-0 in their own backyard 24 hours after Manchester City closed in on the last eight with a 4-0 triumph at Basel.
And Merse believes the form of Pep Guardiola's runaway Premier League leaders will have Europe's heavyweights quaking in their boots.
"I think Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are all fearful of Manchester City," he added.
"Their 4-0 win at Basel was equally as impressive. It's funny because you sort of expect them to blow teams away now, they are that good.
"Barca, Real and Bayern will not want to face them over two legs, they may fancy their chances in a one-off game, but they will want to avoid drawing them."
