Everton boss Ronald Koeman rates the derby with Liverpool bigger than the El Clasico!

Even though his first taste of an Everton-Liverpool match will not arrive until Monday night he is already convinced it is a fixture which eclipses all others.

Koeman said: “As a Barcelona player, I have been involved in a big number of confrontations between Barca and Real.

“When it comes to atmosphere and attraction, that match is rated as the most beautiful in Spain and in the world, because apart from the rivalry there is a political edge to this game.

“Barca versus Real used to bring out the best of me. Always.

“As a player of Ajax and Feyenoord Rotterdam, I have also been on both sides in the Dutch classic.

“But the Everton versus Liverpool derby in the city where I work now is bigger with emotions because of the incredible football culture in this country.

“On Monday night it is my Blues against Jurgen Klopp's Reds in my first big Merseyside derby."