Cody Gakpo paid tribute to Darwin Nunez after the No.9 produced a star performance to help Liverpool beat Burnley 2-0 on Boxing Day.
Nunez delivered an impressive display at Turf Moor – which claimed the Carlsberg Player of the Match award post-match – having scored the Reds’ opening goal with a fine finish.
Diogo Jota’s late strike then ensured Jürgen Klopp’s side moved to the top of the Premier League table.
Gakpo, too, could reflect on a good night’s work, with the Dutchman providing the assist for Nunez’s goal.
“The goal was a good combination,” Gakpo told Liverpoolfc.com. “He [Nunez] got fouled but he saw the play going on and he was quick to come to the edge of the box and then it was a great finish.
“He is a striker and you want to score goals. When it’s been a while it’s always like you get freedom with the first one you get in a while and hopefully from now he can keep finding the net.”
Gakpo himself was denied a goal midway through the first half when his conversion from a rebound was ruled out for a foul given against Nunez.
“I didn’t see it back yet, but Darwin said he didn’t touch their guy,” he continued. “It’s a decision of the referee and we have to deal with that.”
On the game in general, he continued: “It’s always kind of risky when you are 1-0 up and you have a lot of chances but don’t finish it off, so the last minutes are always like a little bit nervy.
“But I think Diogo scored a really great goal to make it 2-0 and then it was game over.”
Liverpool now have five days before they are back in action, welcoming Newcastle United to Anfield on New Year’s Day.
And with half of the Premier League campaign now complete, Gakpo says they are delighted with their progress this season.
“We are top of the table, and you have to be pleased,” he said. “We have made a good run but unfortunately we didn’t win our last two home games in the Premier League.
“We are in a good way and we have to keep going for the second half of the season and start the other half very well and finish it very well as well.”
