Everton v Liverpool: who REALLY has the better players? Both teams rated

Everton and Liverpool's dramatic 2-2 draw was a close encounter, but Reds skipper Steven Gerrard has since claimed that his side "deserved to win". Gerrard went further, saying that "the only team that tried to play football was us. Everton are not better than us." The league table last season and so far this campaign would suggest different, but the Blues have failed to beat the Reds in the last five Merseyside derbies (three defeats, two draws), with just two wins for Moyes' boys in the last 15 meetings (of which Liverpool have won eight). Debate will rage as to whether Gerrard is right or wrong, but which of the two clubs has the best squad? talkSPORT rate both sides of Stanley Park...

Goalkeepers
Tim Howard – Though not the most spectacular goalkeeper in the world, Tim Howard has nonetheless proved steadily consistent for Everton and, while he isn't likely to be the difference between points won and lost via breathtaking one-on-one save, at the same time he does the simple things tidily for the Toffees. Rating: 6/10

Pepe Reina – Had this been the Pepe Reina of three seasons ago, the Spaniard would rank well above Howard, but declining form and erratic performances make it a different story at present. If he plays to his potential, he's as good as they come, but if he plays the way he has been of late, he can be a liability. Rating: 5/10

Defenders
Sylvain Distin – An honourable servant for Everton, but Distin's age seems to be catching up with him. Luis Suarez tormented him when he had the opportunity in the derby and equally quick-footed forwards are likely to have a similar time against the big defender these days. Rating: 5/10

Daniel Agger – The Dane's decision to stay with Liverpool despite attracting interest from top sides should be admired, as when he's at his best, he's an asset both in defence and attack. Difficult for attackers to play against and capable of building play from the back. Rating: 7/10

Leighton Baines – Being touted as a challenger for Ashley Cole's crown as the best left back in the Premier League doesn't come easily and Leighton Baines' danger in the attacking third and brilliant delivery is helping his reputation to grow. Everton did well to hold on to him in the summer. Rating: 8/10

Jose Enrique – Looks nothing like the player he was at Newcastle, despite a promising start to life at Anfield. Like Pepe Reina, Enrique seems to have regressed this year, and it's even believed that Brendan Rodgers was interested in offloading him in the summer. When he attacks well he's a threat, but as the Spaniard is increasingly blunt in attack, his poor defensive game makes him far from certain of a starting place under Brendan Rodgers. Rating: 5/10

Phil Jagielka – Solid in the air, if sometimes caught out by more nimble attackers, Jagielka stands out as Everton's best central defender and is pushing hard for an England place. Rating: 6/10

Martin Skrtel – Less technically proficient than Agger, Skrtel is nevertheless a dogged defender and enjoyed his best season at Anfield in 2011/12, but committed a couple of early season mistakes that proved costly for his team. Rating: 6/10

Glen Johnson – Johnson's attacking talents are well documented, but his defensive positioning has been called into question. His ability with both feet makes him extremely difficult to track from deep when he makes those surging runs, however, and Liverpool always miss him in his absence. Rating: 7/10

Seamus Coleman – The nippy Irishman has pace to burn, and his speed has helped him defensively against the likes of Gareth Bale, while at the same time saw him get the better of Ashley Cole in the past in an attacking capacity. Still has plenty to learn, but at 24 he hasn't reached his peak. Rating: 5/10

Midfielders
Phil Neville - Versatile, reliable and with a wealth of experience, it's easy to see why Phil Neville is a fixture in the Everton team. While he continues to perform well his age can't be questioned, but he's certainly not one for Everton's long-term future. Rating: 6/10

Joe Allen – The former Swansea man has slotted into the same role at his new team with minimal fuss and is an essential part of making Brendan Rodgers' system work at Merseyside. His critics tend to bark up the wrong tree, as his role isn't to act as a playmaker or score goals, but rather to keep the ball moving and pick out his team-mates, helping in attack and defence at the same time, and he does it well. Rating: 7/10

Leon Osman – Hard working when forced to defend and, as he showed against Liverpool, capable of contributing in attack, too. Osman is a favourite of David Moyes and rightly so, playing 30 games in the league to help Everton finish above Liverpool last season. Rating: 6/10

Nuri Sahin – Starting to find his feet after a lack of consistent football at Real Madrid, Sahin is a class act, but the best is yet to come from the Turk. Rating: 5/10

Marouane Fellaini – One of the most in-demand players in the Premier League, Fellaini's tireless energy, physical presence and technical ability make him a brilliant all round midfielder, and as his masterclass against Manchester United showed, he's capable of making the difference against the big boys. Everton's jewel in their crown. Rating: 9/10

Steven Gerrard – Still one of Liverpool's few genuinely world class players, Gerrard has adapted to the new system under Brendan Rodgers with ease and, as his assist against Everton showed, he's still capable of turning a game for the Reds when they need him most. Rating: 8/10

Steven Naismith – Naismith looks to be finally rediscovering his form following a lengthy layout with injury that preceded his time at Everton, though it remains to be seen if he can adjust to the English top flight. His ability to get into the box and support strikers, along with his well documented history of linking up with Nikica Jelavic could make him influential at Everton, but the jury's out for the moment. Rating: 6/10

Suso – The young Spaniard has so far made the step up from youth to professional level well, showing he's as capable of keeping the ball and humiliating opponents in the top flight as he was in the reserves. Expect big things from the midfielder. Rating: 6/10

Forwards
Nikica Jelavic – Deadly in front of goal and a handful for any defender, Jelavic is one of Moyes' most inspired signings, and if his partnership with Kevin Mirallas continues to develop, the Croatian could be part of a formidable front two. Rating: 8/10

Raheem Sterling - Though technically a winger, Sterling shows a desire to get into the box that is more akin to a forward, and after being clearly instructed do so more often in a more central role against Everton, he caused the Toffees all kinds of problems. His decision making still lets him down at times, but that's to be expected considering his youth. Another big talent that has made huge strides in a short space of time. Rating: 7/10

Kevin Mirallas – Another inspired Moyes signing, Mirallas is a technically gifted forward and if he can add more league goals to his game in the future, he could be a complete, top level forward. Rating: 7/10

Luis Suarez – Love him or hate him, Luis Suarez is an incredibly difficult player to defend against. His close control, bursts of acceleration and excellent shooting give opponents nightmares, and even the more unsavoury side to his game serves the purpose of winding up opposition defenders. His critics are vocal, but let's be honest, would they turn him down if he offered to join their club? Rating: 9/10

The best of the rest
Liverpool – Fabio Borini looked more like the Chelsea reserve striker than the Roma forward in his initial run at Liverpool, before injury ruled him out for several months. Jonjo Shelvey's energy and driving runs make him an asset in attack, but his unpredictable temperament can be a liability. Liverpool's other backup stars are made up of a mixture of veterans and youngsters, but there's no genuine world class talent to draw upon from the bench. Subs bench rating: 5/10

Everton – In Bryan Oviedo Everton have a quick, promising young wing-back who could be an asset in the future if he adjusts to his new league surroundings, while Jonny Heitinga has the experience to fill in at both defensive midfield and centre-back, though whether he does either particularly well is questionable. Like Liverpool, Everton's bench is unspectacular. Subs bench rating: 5/10

Totals
Liverpool: 77
Everton: 77

So there you have it, we can't separate the two sides - disagree? Have your say by commenting below…