Pundit Chris Sutton has offered one reason behind why Fabio Silva has struggled for form at Wolves and Rangers.
The striker was on target for Rangers during their 4-1 win over Kilmarnock in the Premiership.
Silva grabbed an equaliser for the Gers deep into added time in the first-half. It was a good finish, turning in John Lundstram’s cross at the back post, and he impressed ex-Gers midfielder Stuart McCall with his movement.
But Silva then drew some criticism for the way he celebrated the goal. He turned his back to the crowd and lifted his shirt to display the name on the back, and also made a ‘chatting’ gesture, as if to suggest he has been hearing the recent criticism of him.
Silva has not had the best of stints up in Scotland, and his theatrics have definitely not endeared him to anyone.
But he grabbed his fifth goal for the club at the weekend, and Chris Sutton praised him for his performance – and offered one reason why he’s been struggling…
Chris Sutton believes Wolves striker Fabio Silva is simply ‘not brave enough’ at times
Sutton appeared on Sky Sports at the weekend to offer insight and analysis for the game between Rangers and Kilmarnock.
Silva was making his 21st appearance for the club since joining on loan at the start of the January transfer window for the rest of the season.
Silva had hardly featured back at Wolves under Gary O’Neil, and so it was decided very early that he would be allowed out on loan in order to get regular minutes.
Unfortunately, Silva has struggled to make an impact during his latest loan spell. Fans have struggled to warm to him, especially because of his tendency to be theatrical at times.
But Chris Sutton did praise the 21-year-old after his latest display, and offered some thoughts as to why the Portuguese has a tough time. For him, it boils down to a lack of bravery.
He said to Kris Boyd on Sky Sports: “You have to be a tad more positive about him. Today his movement created the opportunity, the sending-off and the penalty, the timing of his runs was excellent.
“I think we all think the same thing. He is just not brave enough at times, but today maybe that will do him a bit of good for his confidence.”
Silva’s £35m price tag may have been a hindrance
It has been tough start for Silva in his professional career, and he may well have found it so tough because of the money Wolves paid to sign him.
The club massively overpaid at £35 million. Wolves signed him after he had only just broken through to FC Porto’s first-team, and his lack of experience in senior football was very clear in that first season at Molineux.
There is a feeling that Silva has always been up against it, with that price tag appearing to weigh heavy at times.
There have been signs of a player with big potential. But it has been very difficult for him given the expectations, and also the lack of consistency and game time.
We will see what happens with him this summer. All in all, it has been a pretty disastrous few years for him, and you would imagine Wolves will be looking to sell, and officials have to expect to take a major hit on him.