Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez says the Merseyside derby is the biggest in England.

Ahead of today's trip to Everton, Benitez claims nothing can match the Merseyside derby for passion and atmosphere.

He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "I don't think there is a bigger local derby in England. It's a fantastic game for everyone involved and I haven't seen anything like it at this level. You can see the passion in all the people and that's good for the atmosphere and the football.

"You can see the people and talk with them, and you get the same feeling. It's an important game for everyone. For me as a manager, and because I've been here a long time, I'll always try to win every game - but especially the derby.

"I feel 100 per cent like a Scouser. It's a special feeling around this game because for the weeks around the game you have a lot of people happy and a lot of people unhappy. You have to approach the game knowing it's very important.

"We (me and my family) know some Evertonians - not too many but some. Everyone is waiting to see what will happen."