Wolverhampton Wanderers legend Steve Bull has said he feels for both Fabio Silva and Willian Jose, as the pair struggle to score goals in the Premier League.
The two players are tasked with providing cover for Raul Jimenez, who continues to work his way back to full fitness following his skull fracture.
The Mexican star was always going to be a miss, but it really has been a big struggle for the team in his absence.
Silva likely wasn’t meant to feature as much as he has.
The teenager arrived for big money, but has managed just two goals in 23 league appearances so far.
Jose arrived in January on loan from Real Sociedad and is yet to get off the mark after 10 games.
Both have had their fair share of criticism, but Bull – who scored 306 goals for the club – has a degree of sympathy for both.
He told the Express & Star: “I feel for them in a way, being a former striker.
“You feed off crosses coming in and balls into feet which you can work with, but they’ve been very, very sparse.
“We can only persevere for so long, though, as they have had chances in the games, to win or pick up a draw.
“They’re just not taking them. Whether they’re getting fed up, I don’t know.
“It’s frustrating for them, but they’ve got to really knuckle down.”
Jimenez nearing return may prompt improvement
Perhaps Jimenez closing in on his long-awaited return to action will be the catalyst for change in Silva and Jose.
It probably won’t be long now until the 29-year-old is ready to take to the field again.
His recovery has been going well, he’s been participating with teammates in training using protective headgear, and Nuno has previously stated he feels confident he can play again before the season is out.
Perhaps knowing Jimenez is now waiting in the wings will spur Silva and Jose on to better, goalscoring performances.