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EVERTON FC: OUT OF AFRICA: PART THREE

/noticias.info/ In part three of our African special, our Nigerian stars have been discussing one of the most significant fixtures in Everton’s Premier League season…

The Merseyside derby is globally renowned as one of the fiercest rivalries in the world.

Born and raised a lot further afield than Liverpool, you might think Joseph Yobo may not feel the magic of a derby to the extent of some of his team-mates from Merseyside.

But that certainly isn’t the case for Everton’s vice-captain. The talented defender explained how he truly does understand the sheer importance of Merseyside derbies - as do all the African players in the Everton squad,

The competitiveness that goes into every game – with so much pride at stake - is something that every player and fan relates to - and Yobo admits that he enjoys nothing more than to hear Goodison Park roaring when he takes on Liverpool.

The Nigerian defender understands the expectations of the Everton faithful when his side step onto the pitch on derby day.

Speaking to Premier League Productions during the making of a special series about Nigerian footballers, Yobo said: “It’s always great to play in the Merseyside derby because I think for Evertonians it’s probably the biggest game of the season.”

Since Yobo joined the Blues he has been on the winning side in a derby twice – and he enjoys nothing more than getting victory over the red half of the city.

The Nigerian defender continued: “I’ve always enjoyed it every time we’ve beaten Liverpool. It’s always an amazing game – the game all Evertonians want to play in.”

Yobo’s compatriot Victor Anichebe knows plenty about derbies, too.

The young striker moved to the Liverpool when he was a toddler and was raised experiencing the footballing rivalry between the blue and the red half of the city ever since.

Having played his first game against Liverpool last season, Anichebe has the thrill of the game fresh in his mind.

“The derby games are crazy,” Anichebe explained. “I played in my first this year and it was tough.

“There was a lot of passion and everyone is flying into tackles.

“If you’re not ready for that then you’re going to get caught out but it’s amazing to see the passion in the fans faces and everyone is up for the game.” notas_de_prensa_archivo