"Understand..." - Nunez explains why Gakpo hasn't hit the ground running at Liverpool

Darwin Nunez explained why Cody Gakpo had not hit the ground running at Liverpool.

The Netherlands international has endured a difficult start to life on Merseyside since arriving from PSV Eindhoven in a deal that could rise to £45milion.

Yet on Monday Gakpo netted his first goal for the Reds in a 2-0 win over bitter rivals Everton.

Now that he’s finally off the mark in Liverpool colours, fans will hope the forward can replicate his PSV form.

Indeed, Gakpo netted 50 times and registered a further 50 assists during his 159 appearances for the Dutch giants.

Nunez explains Gakpo’s form

Nunez, who has had his own difficulties adapting to life in England, explained why Gakpo had endured a slow start to life on Merseyside.

The Uruguay international moved from Benfica to Anfield for an initial £64million last summer. He has since scored 10 goals in 27 appearances for the Reds in what has been a collective season of struggle for Liverpool.

And the striker insisted his team-mate Gakpo needed time to adapt.

Nunez told the Liverpool website: "Here at Liverpool I have teammates who are all high-quality footballers.

"I need to be able to understand how they play a little more and it’s the same for them with me. It’s what settling into each other’s games is all about.

"They get used to how I play and, in turn, I grow accustomed to how they play. I think that in time we’ll start to see some good and positive results.

"For example, Gakpo is a quality player and has a lot of class. He’s physically strong too. I think he’ll be able to make people very happy at Liverpool.

"You have to also understand that he’s come here at a time when we’re not in the best of form and he will need time to settle in too.

"I think he’s done well in the games he’s featured in so far. I hope that with time I’ll develop a great understanding and then go on to bring some joy to the Liverpool fans."