‘Merseyside derby is one of the biggest’
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford says their derby against Liverpool is one of the biggest in the country. Marco Silva’s side have not won at Anfield since 1999 but since Pickford joined Everton in 2017, they have drawn both league derbies he has played in.
Speaking about the match, Pickford said: “For me personally, I never put myself under any pressure and a lot of people will talk and hype the game up.
“But for me personally, it’s another game and another chance for me to perform to my best ability.
“That is what I always do, try and perform well. It will be a massive game. When I was growing up with Sunderland v Newcastle, getting one over on them quite a lot - It’s quality.
“On Sky on Sunday there is also an Arsenal v Tottenham game so there are derbies everywhere. Liverpool v Everton has to be up there as one of the best.”
Former Liverpool midfielder Luis Garcia says the Merseyside derby is the “biggest” he has played in.
Garcia made 121 appearances for Liverpool but also played in the Madrid derby and the Mexico City derby between Club de Futbol Universidad and Club America.
However, he told The Debate that the Merseyside derby ranks highest.
“This is probably the biggest,” he said. “Real Madrid v Atletico is massive, more so at the old Vicente Calderon. Even in Mexico, America v Pumas [Club de Futbol Universidad] is a big one because it’s a massive city, but the Merseyside derby is special.
“It’s an amazing day for all the families and the city and the atmosphere is crazy.”