Fábio 'Silva' Soares Silva, a prototypical 6ft, 11st 11lb striker, hails from Portugal and these days spends his time warming the bench for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the number nine shirt. Remarkably, he's also donned the kit for Portugal’s U21s. Imagine that.
For those of you with the memory of a goldfish, he was given a run out in eight Premier League matches during the 2023-2024 season at Wolves. Not exactly a workhorse, our Silva. Of those eight, he started only three while he spent the rest lounging on the sidelines before being beckoned for a late cameo.
That same year, he demonstrated a surprising ounce of proficiency during the UEFA U21s, putting the ball in the back of the net seven times from just four starts. Just a shame he couldn't find that form in the top flight.
Far be it from me to criticise (who am I kidding), but he's yet to kick a ball for Wolves this season. Must be putting his feet up enjoying the English hospitality or something.
Pre-Wolves, he put on a similarly 'inspiring' performance at Rangers in Scotland. Eighteen outings topped off with four goals. Astonishingly prolific, I'm sure you'll agree.
Before that, it was PSV in the Netherlands that was graced with Silva's presence. I mean, who could forget his unforgettable 14 appearances and four goals? Unmistakably a journeyman, you've got to give him credit for clocking up the frequent flyer miles.
Anderlecht were the reluctant recipients of his 'talents' prior to his Dutch sojourn. Ever the consistent forward, he scored seven in 20. A pattern is emerging, wouldn't you say?
Wouldn't you know it, Silva had another spell at Wolves before that. The 2021- 2022 and 2020 - 2021 seasons he turned out 22 and 32 times respectively for the English side, managing to pot just four goals. Not exactly the next incarnation of Ronaldo, is he?
Finally, let's not forget his debut season at the fine establishment of FC Porto. Given 12 chances to impress, he managed to find the onion bag just once. Ah, starting as you mean to go on, Silva.
