Best of Enemies: Klopp’s Greatest Merseyside Derby Moments | OneFootball

Jurgen Klopp’s Best Merseyside Derby Memories

Jurgen Klopp is set to lead Liverpool into one last Merseyside Derby as Liverpool face Everton tonight. As his iconic chapter comes to a close, every game from now will be cherished by the supporters for a long time after he has gone.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the German’s best Merseyside Derby memories in chronological order…

First of Many Clashes, First of Many Wins

Jurgen Klopp’s first taste of the Merseyside Derby came on the 20th April 2016, with the Reds pulling off a demolition job on their closest rivals.

Photo: IMAGO

Goals from Divock Origi (typical), Mamadou Sakho, Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho secured an emphatic 4-0 victory at Anfield. Although this game wasn’t in the midst of a title race or a cup-run, it’s still one of the standout scorelines of recent history.

Sadio’s Late Show

The following meeting between the two sides came on the 19th of December 2016. This time we saw Klopp’s men come out on top once again, but in more dramatic fashion though.

Photo: IMAGO

As the clock hit the 94th minute, the game seemed to be heading towards a tight 0-0 draw. That was until Daniel Sturridge saw his long-range effort bounce of the inside of the post and straight to the feet of new-signing Sadio Mane for the Senegalese forward to poke home. At the time, it was impossible to imagine a derby being settled in more dramatic fashion. Little did we know…

Virgil Van Dijk’s Fine Debut

Eyebrows were raised as Liverpool splashed £75million on Virgil Van Dijk back in January 2018. Klopp named the Dutchman in his starting lineup, just days after the announcement of the signing and the colossal defender certainly stepped up to the plate.

Photo: IMAGO

James Milner’s first-half penalty had gave the Reds the lead in the FA Cup Third Round at Anfield, but Gylfi Sigurdsson’s 67th minute equaliser but the celebrations on hold. That was until the 84th minute, where Virgil Van Dijk launched himself at an Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain corner in front of the Kop to send the Anfield faithful into raptures, whilst extending Everton’s long wait for a trophy even further.

The Creation of a True Cult Hero

Later that year, Liverpool found themselves in an intense title race alongside Manchester City and as Everton visited Anfield in December, the Reds couldn’t afford to drop any points. As the game entered stoppage time, the score remained 0-0 and Liverpool were getting desperate in their play.

Photo: IMAGO

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s long ball into the box was cleared out to Virgil Van Dijk, who’s ambitious volley ballooned into the air and seemingly harmlessly over the bar. That was until Jordan Pickford inexplicably tried to keep the ball in play, just to parry the ball straight onto the head of Divock Origi, who nodded the ball home to send Klopp running onto the pitch in celebration with Alisson Becker. To this day, this remains amongst the top memories from throughout Klopp’s tenure at Anfield.

Derby Success on Route to the Premier League Title

Probably the most meaningful triumph on this list, as Liverpool smashed the Toffees on their way to lifting the Premier League title in the 2019-20 season. Klopp’s men taught Everton a real footballing lesson, hitting their rivals for five. Divock Origi was at it again, scoring twice, and was joined by Xherdan Shaqiri, Sadio Mane and Gini Wijnaldum.

Photo: IMAGO

The Reds would go on to lift their first league title in 30 years that season, whilst Everton would continue in their fight against relegation.

Klopp Beats Benitez’s Blues

Just two years later, the two sides met in a midweek clash at Goodison Park as Liverpool chased the quadruple in 2021-22. Everton at this point were managed by Rafa Benitez and were languishing in the relegation zone.

Photo: IMAGO

Jordan Henderson gave the Reds the lead, before Mo Salah doubled Liverpool’s lead. At this point, Everton fans were already flooding out of Goodison, even before Demarai Gray grabbed one back. Salah got on the scoresheet once again befor Diogo Jota scored a brilliant goal to complete Liverpool’s 4-1 thrashing.

One Last Chapter

As Klopp’s Liverpool journey comes to a close, tonight’s Merseyside Derby offers a huge chance to create one more major memory as Liverpool eye another Premier League title under the German.

Tonight will undoubtedly be a tricky game, but what a result it would be if the Reds can manage a victory in what will be Klopp’s final Merseyside Derby.