Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has said that he believes Everton are similar to Stoke City in their direct, physical style of football.

Gerrard helped Liverpool build a two-goal lead in Sunday's Merseyside derby before the Toffees fought back to salvage a draw.

The Reds skipper thinks that his team were the better side at Goodison Park because they stayed true to their patient, passing game.

He told The Sun: "Everton are effective because they have some big physical lads in the team and are very direct. They are effective but the only team who tried to play football was us.

"Everton are not better than us and I thought we stood up to a team that are very similar to Stoke. Every single time they get the ball it comes in long.

"We had a young, small team but they were all men and stood together and we deserved the win. I thought we were fantastic."

Liverpool turn their attention to the League Cup on Wednesday as Brendan Rodgers faces his former side Swansea City for the first time since leaving for Anfield during the summer.