Jurgen Klopp praises Everton star Wayne Rooney

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Bengaluru, December 10: Ahead of the much-anticipated Merseyside derby on Super Sunday, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was full of praise for Everton star and former Manchester United skipper Wayne Rooney.

This is the first Merseyside derby of the 32-year-old since his return to his boyhood club Everton and Klopp believes that his team has to deal with the England ace in order to win the game.

England's all-time record goal scorer will be playing in the highly-charged fixture for the first time since January 2004 following his return to Goodison last summer.

Rooney has netted eight times in all competitions so far this season and Klopp is an admirer of the 32-year-old.

"When I was in Germany he was an outstanding big player," Klopp said.

"I had no idea whether there was criticism in England or whether he didn't get the credit for all the things he did for Man United and England. I have no clue.

"Since I've been here, he didn't have the best time at Man United but he still scored the winner against us. He's still a fantastic player and he's shown that.

"I'm not sure if it's allowed but I like Wayne Rooney as a person. I've always liked him as a player.

"I would be silly not to worry about Rooney, but if you only worry about him that would be another big mistake.

"I have all the respect you need for playing against this football team. But it's not about what I say.

"We need to show that respect on the pitch by defending in the right way and playing them in the right way.

Liverpool are in fine form at the moment but Everton also have done well lately after coming back from a difficult start to the season. Sam Allardyce will surely make it hard for Liverpool to keep up their winning streak.