Liverpool are set to host the first Merseyside derby of the season when Everton make the trip to Anfield on Sunday to face their fierce rivals in the Premier League.

Both teams head into the game in good form with Jurgen Klopp’s men just two points off Manchester City at the top of the table, while Marco Silva’s side have climbed to sixth in the table following their 1-0 win over Cardiff City.

Considering that, Sunday’s derby could be a tight encounter, especially when looking at the defenders who could be on show.

Virgil van Dijk

Virgil van Dijk has been a rock at the back since joining Liverpool from Southampton back in January, helping to give the Reds the defensively solidity they have lacked under Klopp.

An aerially dominant central defender who is just as efficient when it comes to winning the ball on the ground, the 27-year-old is now undoubtedly one of the leading players in European football in his position.

On top of his defensive qualities, what van Dijk also brings to the pitch is composure on the ball and the ability to play it out of defence, while Liverpool fans will be quick to mention his leadership qualities, too.

Now the captain of Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands team, van Dijk marshals his defence well and does all the right things during opposition set pieces.

Klopp and FSG bringing him to Anfield was truly a masterstroke and one that could prove to be massive on Sunday.

TT Grade: A+

Yerry Mina

Due to injury, Mina has not been able to make the same sort of instant impact van Dijk made when he first arrived on Merseyside.

However, in the games he has featured in so far this season, it is not hard to see why Everton forked out so much money on the Colombian during the summer.

His Man of the Match performance against Chelsea, in particular, was one Silva and supporters can take much encouragement from.

Against the likes of Eden Hazard, Willian and Alvaro Morata, Mina was aggressive and strong with his tackling, which proved to be pivotal in the Toffees walking away from Stamford Bridge with a point.

And there is definitely more to come from the former Barcelona man who has all of the attributes needed to become a successful Premier League centre-half.

TT Grade: B

 TT Verdict:

The last few Merseyside derbies have been tight affairs and you would perhaps expect the upcoming one to follow that trend when looking at how both teams have been playing in recent weeks.

Having two quality central defenders such as van Dijk and Mina on the pitch on the day will only add to that.

But as far as match-winners go from a defensive point of view, you cannot look past van Dijk who is more than capable of guiding his side to a clean sheet and victory. In this moment of time, simply put, he is the more superior defender compared to Mina.