"I don't know how you would compare who feels what, but the foreign lads always know it's a special game," said the Liverpool midfielder.
"You pick up on the atmosphere when you're out and about, of course. Everyone on both sides can't wait for kick-off - it's a really big day for the city.
"We know how much it means to the people. They have family who might support the other team and they talk about it.
"The excitement is the same amongst the players. I'm looking forward to it, though of course this week it's different because the whole squad is not here. We'll only have two days together as a squad.
"But it's against the other team from this city, and for the fans it means a lot. I don't know if it means more for the local lads than the foreign players, but I'm pretty sure we'll be as committed as them."
