Paul Merson has made the huge claim that Tottenham can “definitely” win the Champions League this season after they “tore” Borussia Dortmund “apart” in midweek.
Writing for the Daily Star, the high-profile pundit was blown away by Spurs’ last-32 first leg performance against the Bundesliga leaders at Wembley on Wednesday night.
“What Tottenham did this week in the Champions League was unreal – and they definitely have the potential to win it now,” Merson said. “They were phenomenal in the second half. Jan Vertonghen was absolutely outstanding.
“It was a massive result. Game over. They’re through. Now they’re virtually in the quarter-finals and they have players coming back, including one of the best strikers in the world in Harry Kane. No-one will want to play them.
“Dortmund look like they are going to win the German league by a long way remember. They are no mugs. But Spurs just tore them apart.”
OPINION
Spurs fans will love their upbeat verdict from a bona fide Arsenal legend. Plenty of Lilywhites love to hate Merson, whose straight-talking and opinionated comments sometimes infuriate them. They know, too, the former playmaker knows his onions and his verdict on their Champions League hopes is immensely exciting. Can Tottenham go all the way? Yes, they can. The Champions League is a knockout competition and it is all about delivering when it matters. Real Madrid’s proven stars have showed how it’s done in recent years, through expert game management and knowing precisely when to move through the gears. Tottenham don’t have that level of elite experience, or anywhere near, but their team is growing in maturity and Wednesday’s remarkable win, achieved without two of the team’s best players in Kane and Dele Alli, demonstrates they are a force to be reckoned with. If they can get on a roll, Mauricio Pochettino’s side will be difficult to stop.