Riise: My United goal meant so much
If anybody can testify that a goal for Liverpool against Manchester United means that extra bit more, it is former Reds full-back John Arne Riise.
That's why November 4, 2001 is a date etched into the Norwegian's memory.
Because it was during that particular meeting between the eternal north west rivals that Riise ensured his name would be sung on the Kop for years to come.
Michael Owen had already edged Liverpool ahead at Anfield with a superbly-taken side-footer that curved around and over Fabien Barthez.
Where that strike had beaten the French goalkeeper with precise accuracy, the blistering free-kick unleashed by Riise eight minutes later was a force of nature no stopper could save.
"Out of all the goals I've ever scored, that's my favourite because of the opponents, the timing of it and how I hit that ball," he recalled to the Liverpool Echo.
"That one and the one against Everton did a lot for me. It really made my name stick with the Liverpool fans. That made it easy for me to connect with them.
"It was a great moment and I feel privileged to have scored that goal. I know the fans still sing about it now and that means a lot."
Riise's explosive pace in running with the ball, his willingness to take on defenders and his finishing prowess were, of course, endearing traits for Liverpool fans.
His unforgettable set-piece past United was the ideal method of sealing his settling-in process on Merseyside, laying the foundation for seven successful years here.
As the Reds prepare to host Louis van Gaal's team this Sunday, Riise is hoping a current member of the squad can use the fixture as a launchpad too.
"Scoring that goal helped me so much and it could be the same for one of the current side," he said. "Maybe Sunday will kick-start someone's Liverpool career like it did for me in 2001."
Given their common position on the field, it's no surprise that the 34-year-old would be especially pleased if Alberto Moreno could produce the goods this weekend.
Riise continued: "Who knows, maybe Moreno will get the winner. I hope he does. Moreno is my kind of player. He loves to attack.
"He's quick and he strikes the ball well. He scored a great goal against Tottenham. A lot of fans on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram tell me that this lad plays like me."
