Italy international Alberto Aquilani will take the Merseyside derby in his stride, according to Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard. The Reds entertain Everton at Anfield in Saturday’s early kick-off and Gerrard reckons Aquilani will play his part. "Whether he starts or plays as a sub, Alberto knows what derbies are all about," said Gerrard. "I'm sure he will handle the occasion no problem. "He will also get help from myself and Jamie (Carragher) to let him know what this game is about in the dressing room. Merseyside derbies are very quick and frantic in the first 15-20 minutes and the tempo and intensity is very high. "It will be a great game for him to notch his first goal, too. He is improving the more he is playing and training." Meanwhile, Gerrard thinks it will only be a matter of time before Aquilani starts to repay the £18m Liverpool paid Roma for his services in the summer. The England man added: “There were always going to be high expectations because of his big price tag. “It takes time to get used to the speed and pace of the English game when you come from abroad, but he certainly has the talent."