Gael Clichy. How's he feeling in the build up to the first leg against Barcelona? The prospect of facing the European Champions is daunting enough from a team perspective, but even more so for the left back lining up directly against the greatest player in the world today…

…Lionel Messi.

There's a good chance that Clichy has seen Messi a couple of times before tonight. In his sleep. As he dreams about the Argentinian dinking in from the E******s touchline, then out again, then around, forward and wherever the hell he wants to go, Clichy will be thinking of ways to stop him. The frightening thing is, you can't. If Messi wants to play ball, then he will. If he wants to beat five players, pirouette and generally take the p*ss, he can. He has done. He will do again. We just have to hope he doesn't in the next week, with Clichy making it as difficult for him as possible and the Argentinian having a couple of off days.

If he has them.

It's an interesting time in the Frenchman's career. The natural successor once Ashely Cole departed for the Chavsea cashcow, he has developed fantastically to secure the full back spot, despite the odd youthful error.

Injury at the end of last season halted his progress, as did a further lay off in December. His return to the team coincided with the difficult run against Aston Villa, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool, and, a little rusty, he endured difficult spells against the likes of Ashley Young and Nani. The games eased, Clichy gained match fitness and his performances improved. The aftermath of Ramsey's injury also saw him rallying the troops, at just 24, showing his experience as one of the longest serving players at the club.

Now is the time to put a marker down as one of the greatest left backs in the game.

We need a strong performance from him in the mould of his predecessor. In Euro 2004, Ashely Cole gave one of the finest left back performances against Portugal and Ronaldo. Credit to him won't be popular on this website, but he was fantastic that day. Tenacious in the tackle and closing down the winger before he could get into his stride.

If Clichy can do the same this evening, Messi isn't Messi, and Almunia isn't Almunia, we can secure the result needed to take to the second leg.

If not, we may have to endure the unwanted pleasure of seeing the world's finest at his best.

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