Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has shared his thoughts on Sean Dyche’s Everton side ahead of Monday night’s Merseyside derby.
Speaking with the club’s official website, the Brazil international spoke of the importance of the match, and just how difficult the Toffees will be to beat with their new manager in charge.
“They could be [an unpredictable opponent],” Alisson said.
“But every game we have had in front of us, they have been really big challenges for us – I think because of our performances, not because of the opponent. I believe at this moment our biggest opponent [is] ourselves.
“And then, of course, we have Everton with really good quality. They are not in a good situation, but they changed managers, they are excited, they beat the leaders in the league and this shows they have the quality there in their team.
“It’s a derby – they’re going to fight for the result but we’re going to fight as well. We have our supporters on our side and when we are together, we are stronger. We know how strong we are when we are together on the pitch and with the crowd supporting us. That’s what we need to do and that’s what we need to be on Monday.”
Alisson thinks the derby will be tough
The Reds shot stopper is completely right in his assessment here.
Any clash against Everton is always going to be tough, regardless of form, players or management.
However, with Dyche now in charge at Goodison Park, this is expected to be a really hard battle.
The Toffees are expected to line-up with ten men behind the ball, with one attacker pushing the Liverpool defence.
They will play extremely physically, and they will look to score from set-pieces rather than from open play.
The Reds’ back-line will thus need to remain strong and communicate well with one another.
This is not a game for miscommunications, and with both teams in dire need of a win, this is set to be a very competitive Merseyside derby.