Yaya Toure: Barcelona is 'quite afraid' of Manchester City

Barcelona is "scared" of Manchester City, according to former Camp Nou midfielder Yaya Toure.

The Ivorian has been a pivotal part of the Blues' ascension to second in the Premier League in 2013-14, as well as helping the club to its first appearance in the Champions League knockout stage.

Manuel Pellegrini's men will face Barca in the last 16 and Toure - who left the Catalans in 2010 - thinks that Gerardo Martino's side fears elimination to City.

"To make history sometimes it takes longer," the 30-year-old told Sky Sports. "I am a lucky man to be in the right place because the club have brought in fantastic players. Everything is in a good place to be honest, and I'm sure in a couple of years Man City will become the greatest club in the world.

"[Barcelona] are quite afraid about us, the way they see us play in the Premier League at home especially, they're quite scared. We play fantastic football and we score goals, it's total attack. But it's going to be a tough game and for us we know if we're to win we need to be at the top of our game."

Man City faces Premier League table-topper Liverpool on Dec. 26 and can take first place with a win at the Etihad Stadium.