Barcelona legend Eric Abidal said Manchester City must win trophies if they are to be considered one of the best teams in Europe.

The Sky Blues have been in instrumental form so far this term, winning 18 out of 19 Premier League matches – 17 of which have come on the bounce following a 1-1 draw with Everton back in August.

After Saturday’s 4-0 win over Bournemouth, Pep Guardiola’s side are now 13 points clear at the top of the league at the midway point of the season.

But despite their dominance, Abidal – a two-time Champions League winner with Barcelona in 2009 and 2011 – feels City need to clinch trophies before being considered among the continent’s elite.

 

“When you look around and see the statistics of the team, of course you can say it’s one of the best teams in Europe,” he said.

“But it’s not enough. Because you can play and win and win and have records, but in the end if you don’t have the trophy you have nothing.”

Guardiola’s men have collected 55 of the maximum 57 points available, sprinkling the league with some of the most devastating football seen since the days of Arsenal and Manchester United’s domination.

With 60 goals in their opening 19 games, the Etihad Stadium side look on course to deliver a fifth domestic title.

“So for sure that everybody is watching now because they score a lot of goals and this is something new for the Premier League. Many years ago it was Arsenal and Manchester United. Now it’s City, a new generation,” said Abidal.

“They have this objective. That’s why they signed this coach and the new players. But only after trophies we will talk about best teams and everything. But for sure they have one of the best squads in the world.”