In his latest blog, former Tottenham and Liverpool man talks about what to expect with as the Champions League knock-out rounds get under way.
I love the Champions League. I loved playing in it for Liverpool and Tottenham. Lining up on a Tuesday or Wednesday night under the floodlights when that music chimes in is something special.
I love watching it, too. Liverpool’s comeback in the 2005 final against AC Milan has to be one of my favourite football memories of all time. It was one of the best games I’ve ever seen.
It’s the best tournament in the world and I can’t wait for it to get going again.
Domestic form is irrelevant
I’m obviously looking forward to watching Tottenham in the knockout stages, but I’m really excited by Liverpool, too.
They are not in great form in the Premier League, but I really believe Liverpool have an opportunity to go and win the Champions League.
Can they do it while underperforming domestically? Absolutely. The way they play certainly suits the Champions League and they have shown their quality in Europe over the past few years.
Looking at them and Chelsea, neither of them have suddenly become bad teams. Liverpool were runners-up last season and Chelsea won the competition the year before.
Sometimes when you’re not doing so well in the league, a different competition is good for a team. It gives them a welcome change and can give a team a different mindset. That could be the case this year.
Of course, Real Madrid are a difficult hurdle to get past for Liverpool. They have won five of the last nine Champions Leagues, while Carlo Ancelotti has won four as a manager. They have experience and knowhow in abundance.
But the Reds can still make a success of this season.
Manchester City need to stay switched on
Manchester City are challenging on multiple fronts at the moment, and it’s going to be a big few months for them on and off the pitch.
I’m not sure what will happen to them, but it’s going to be interesting to see given what is being reported. They aren’t in great form at the moment, so are unlikely to be in a position to prioritise the Premier League or Champions League over one another.
If you ask any player, they just want to play games anyway. I don’t think they mind when it gets busy towards the end of the season. The scheduling is more of a headache for the manager.
The big games are what everyone looks forward to. The more of them, the better.
Forward’s paradise
I’m really looking forward to watching the usual suspects upfront.
Harry Kane is playing amazingly well this season and I’m delighted for him to have broken Jimmy Greaves’ record.
I’ve known Harry since he was a kid and have seen first-hand what he’s done for Tottenham. It’s a special moment for him and his family, so I’m very happy for him. He’s one of the best strikers in the world.
In terms of other players, they’re obvious names but they’re obvious for a reason.
Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe are an incredible watch, especially when they step it up in the latter stages of the competition.
Karim Benzema, too. If he can stay fit, he could guide Real Madrid through the tournament and be in with a shout of the Golden Boot.
Visit Betway’s Champions League betting page.
