Cole told Nuts Magazine: “Ronaldinho and Messi are both dangerous. There are goals from everywhere on the pitch – that’s the most impressive thing. They’ve put together a collection of world-class players and turned them into a real unit.”

However, the England winger insists he is excited by facing the European champions for the third year in a row and believes the Blues can triumph.

“I’m really happy to get them,” added Cole. “If you don’t want to play at the Nou Camp and you don’t want to play against Barcelona, you’re in the wrong game.

“Obviously, we beat them the first year. Last year, it was a bit more difficult because of the sending-off in the first leg.

“It immediately put our backs against the wall. The game happened when we had a lull in the league, and we weren’t firing. I think if we’d played them a month earlier, or a month later, we’d have won.

“I think we’ll win the games. That’s not to say I don’t have great respect for the club. I think they’re a great side who deserved to win the Champions League last year.”

The 24-year-old also insists he is undaunted by the prospect of travelling to the Nou Camp for the return leg. Visiting teams typically receive a hot reception from the passionate Barca fans, particularly in Europe.

“They want their team to win. There’s no nastiness in it,” stressed Cole.

“They love Barcelona. I think they’re a really good set of fans.”