"This one is different because the one I played in in Spain was between Real Sociedad and Atletico Bilbao and they are one hour away from one another," said the midfielder.
"It was quite passionate of course and there could be a nasty atmosphere in those games but because here the derby is between two teams from the same city it makes it even more passionate and you can feel the excitement building throughout the week with everyone talking about it.
"You have Liverpool fans and Everton fans both talking to you about the derby.
"I do feel that everyone is involved and excited about the game and that is good because it keeps the passion alive.
"The Liverpool fans tell me that we have to beat Everton but we know that will not be easy because they are playing well and getting some good results.
"But we need to win for us and for our fans.
"Any cup game brings tension because it is one game and if you are drawn against your local rivals it makes it even more exciting for the fans and the players."