Enrique: I know how much it means
Jose Enrique has witnessed first-hand the joy winning a derby can bring to supporters - and the adulation it guarantees players.
The full-back played his part as Liverpool beat Everton three times in one season last year - at Goodison, Anfield and Wembley.
The latter, when Andy Carroll's towering header secured the Reds' passage to the FA Cup final, is a win Enrique recalls fondly.
"I have two top derby memories," the 27-year-old told Press Association Sport.
"One was when we beat Everton in the semi-final last season - not because we played an incredible game but just because we beat them.
"The best one I had was against Sunderland [at Newcastle] when we beat them 5-0 on Halloween - it was incredible.
"But for the importance of a derby it was Everton in the semi-final.
"The best thing for a player is the derby atmosphere. In the stadium it is incredible, it is like you are playing Barcelona.
"If you win, after the game you go out for dinner [you see] it means a lot for people."
While the Spaniard is acutely aware of the rivalry between the two sides, he admits he hasn't encountered many Evertonians during his two-year spell on Merseyside.
The ones he has met, however, have been perfectly amicable.
"I think I know two Everton fans," said Enrique.
"One taxi driver I remember told me he supported them and we started talking about football.
"The other I met in town and he asked to have a picture with me but no-one has ever said anything bad to me."
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