Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva admits they need to find the spirit of Steven Gerrard for their clash with Everton.

Today will be the first Everton- Liverpool game to take place this century without Gerrard being a brooding and formidable presence.

"We could see all week with Stevie how much the derby meant," said Lucas. "His emotions were different, super-focused. He talked only about the match, how we couldn't lose to Everton.

"It's something I learned from him. Now I have the same feeling, I understand. Dropping my kid off at school, people are talking about the derby. The guy at the petrol station, talking about the derby. My son Pedro is a Scouser. Even he's saying to me: 'You are playing Everton at the weekend!'.

"Since Stevie left, me and [Martin] Skrtel have the responsibility of showing the players how much it means to the people. If we keep Stevie's spirit and passion, we are going to be fine for sure."