Barcelona legend Xavi has hailed the form this season of Pep Guardiola's Manchester City.

Xavi saw how Guardiola works when they won two Champions Leagues and three successive La Ligas in just four years at Barcelona, and says the Catalan is using the same successful formula at the Etihad.

“City are playing with the DNA of Barcelona, but that is no surprise," he said. “Pep has Barcelona DNA and transmits that to Manchester City.

“The football they are playing is mesmerizing. They are the in-form team in Europe and as good as their players are, Pep has to take credit for the football they are playing and the form they are in.

“Pep teams do not just happen, these record runs do not just happen, treble-winning seasons do not just happen - they happen because Pep is obsessive about winning.

“He is focused, he hates to lose and that becomes infectious with the players."