Everton new boy Allan recalls beating Liverpool ‘most of the time’ whilst playing for former club Napoli ahead of his first Merseyside Derby… but says players are ‘aware’ of Toffees’ 10-year Reds drought
- Everton are looking for first Merseyside Derby victory in 10 years on Saturday
- New midfielder Allan will be one of several arrivals playing in their first derby
- The Brazilian has been key to a fine start to the season for the Toffees so far
- The 29-year-old recalled multiple victories over Liverpool playing for Napoli
Everton midfielder Allan has recalled his strong record against Liverpool for former club Napoli ahead of his potential first Merseyside Derby on Saturday.
The Brazlian’s arrival this summer has formed part of a new-look Toffees who have made a flying start to the season under Carlo Ancelotti and sit top of the Premier League.
Thair form means there is an argument the Blue side of the city go into Saturday’s derby as favourites after champions Liverpool suffered a shock 7-2 defeat against Aston Villa last time out.
Everton new boy Allan has recalled his strong record for former club Napoli vs Liverpool
The Brazlian has been part of two victories and a draw in recent years against the Reds
The midfielder was named as the best player on the pitch when Napoli took a 1-1 draw from Anfield last season while he has also started in 2-0 and 1-0 victories over the Reds for the Serie A side.
‘Professor Ancelotti and his coaching staff are highly intelligent and they prepare for every detail to face the opposition. Through that we came out on top most of the time against Liverpool,’ Allan told the Liverpool Echo.
‘Every game against Liverpool is difficult but thank god we did get the better of them the majority of times and hopefully it will be no different on Saturday.
‘We are playing at home and hopefully will have a great game and get a win that will be very important to us.
The midfielder has hailed ‘Professor’ Carlo Ancelotti after Everton’s flying start to the season
The game at Goodison Park on Saturday will mark 10 years since Everton have beaten their rivals in a wretched run, and Allan revealed they are aware of the drought despite their fine form.
‘Yes obviously we are aware [of Everton’s derby drought] and it is not a good record, it is not something good and we have heard about it.
Allan revealed his nickname ‘Professor’ for his boss comes, also used by fellow recruit James Rodriquez from the way the Italian studies and prepares for games and the relationship he has with players.
