In particular, the former City and England goalkeeper highlighted Jeremy Doku and Josko Gvardiol’s performances at the Etihad Stadium, with both on the scoresheet in a comfortable win.
Pep Guardiola’s men are back in action just four days after that victory, with our Champions League last eight clash finely poised at 3-3 on aggregate.
And speaking on Matchday Live, James believes some of the performances on show at the Etihad will have posed some difficult problems for Madrid to try and solve.
He explained: “When you see someone like [Jeremy] Doku having an influence on a game, if I’m a Real Madrid defender, I’m thinking if this guy comes on with that kind of form, then I might be in trouble.
“Yes, there should be confidence [for City], but not just because of the win, but because of the manner of the goals that are scored.
“[Josko] Gvardiol with another thunderbolt as well, all of a sudden if I’m Real Madrid I’m thinking that you have to close him if he gets the ball anywhere near the edge of the box, because he’s proven he can thump them.”
Former City manager and ex-Luton player Brian Horton joined James in the Matchday Live studio, and agreed with his sentiments on the overall performance.
In particular, he was quick to praise the form of Gvardiol, who rounded off the scoring in exquisite fashion in stoppage time.
The Croatian found the net in equally spectacular fashion in that first leg draw with Madrid, with Horton impressed by how he’s settling into life at City since a summer move from RB Leipzig.
“He scored a fantastic goal in Madrid and that today, you’d think he’s right footed,” he added.
“It takes time, you’re coming into a massive club and have to prove yourself, not only to the fans but the players as well day in day out.
“Today is exactly what Pep wants him to do.”
