Ex-Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has waxed lyrical about the atmosphere that Liverpool can produce at Anfield.

Speaking on the BBC’s Planet Premier League podcast, Fabregas said he has felt all sorts of emotions at the ground, and there is no other experience quite like it in football:

“The atmosphere is unbelievable, “It’s one of those games that you just look up to because it makes you feel complete as a player. There’s nothing better you can do than playing at Anfield against Liverpool, especially when they’re at their peak.”

“I’ve experienced a bit of everything there. I’ve won comfortably, I’ve lost 4-0 once. In the Champions League one day we made great comeback and then all of a sudden from being in the semi-final of the Champions League two, three minutes later you are out. So, it’s been a mix of emotions.”

“The pitch is fast, the pitch is good, they always press high, leave a lot of space in behind which I love for me to chip my balls in behind the defence. There’s been a bit of everything in my time in the last 15 years there. I loved every bit, you don’t love it when you lose but the experiences I’ve had in there, the lows and the highs have been very good for me to learn for the future.”

Fabregas is not the only opponent to praise Anfield

The febrile and intense atmosphere is not only felt in European games. Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville says it took him “years” to get used to playing in the stadium due to how difficult the home support made it for opposing teams.

Some players, like Fabregas, were able to thrive in the cauldron but many more could not cope with the pressure. It is what makes Anfield so unique in world football.

Liverpool will need the crowd on Sunday

The Reds play arguably their biggest fixture of the season against Manchester City this weekend. A win would put Jurgen Klopp’s side four points clear of their opponents.

Fans will be doing all they can to get their team up for what could be a defining game in the title race.