Former Liverpool hero Dietmar Hamann has claimed that the Anfield club’s best opportunity of beating Everton at the weekend comes in stopping Romelu Lukaku, as reported by the Daily Express.

Having lost 3-1 to West Ham at the weekend, and fallen to Aston Villa the week prior, Liverpool are desperate to kick-start their Premier League campaign.

They finished second last season, and recent displays do not suggest that they can replicate that achievement this season.

However, a 4-0 win against Everton at Anfield last season suggested how good Brendan Rodgers’s side could become as the year progressed.

A big win in the weekend’s clash would be similarly welcomed by the Kop faithful, and Hamann has revealed how he would go about dealing with the Goodison Park side.

Hamann said: “The game will be won and lost in midfield.

“Barry is very capable going forward and Lukaku is a real threat. Handling him will be they key to victory for Liverpool.

“Liverpool have looked shaky defensively and he could be a thorn in the side.

“The strength of Lukaku will have a big say on the outcome.”

Despite Everton being on a good run last time the two sides met, Liverpool dominated their local rivals, but Hamann is not of the opinion that it will be as simple for Liverpool this time around.

He added: “I was surprised by how one-sided it was last season. Everton were on a good run but they had a couple of players out.

“It won’t be same this year. They have had a decent seat this season.”