Ronald Koeman admits Sandro Ramirez ‘needs time’ to adapt to the Premier League.
The Spain international provided an assist in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup win over Sunderland but has yet to score in eight competitive outings for Everton.
Expectations were high for Sandro after the Blues beat Atletico Madrid in the race for the highly-rated striker, who moved for a cut-price fee of £5.2 million.
But Koeman insists that the 22-year-old still needs time to adjust to the English top flight.
He said: “I’ve spoken to Sandro and he needs time.
“You have so many examples of players coming into the Premier League from abroad and they need time.
“Even at the big clubs they get time.
“He’s only 22, the game in the Premier League is more physical and intensive and you need time to adapt.”