André Silva has arrived
Forward has settled in and is finding his form | Nine goals in 17 games under Tedesco | Two-footed and strong in the air
There were a lot of expectations when RB Leipzig secured the signing of André Silva from league rivals Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer of 2021 – the forward was coming off the back of a 28-goal Bundesliga campaign. “Of course, first of all I have to get settled in what is a new city, a new team and new club and mentality for me,” said Silva at his official unveiling.
The settling-in period was unusually long in the eyes of some: the 26-year-old managed just two goals in his first 12 Bundesliga matches for his new club. But the arrival of head coach Domenico Tedesco saw Silva’s scoring instincts reignited. The Portuguese forward has registered found the back of the net nine times in 17 games under his new boss.
André is an absolute top forward who knows how to finish. He’s a good link-up player who can also bring the ball down really well.
The forward was also aware himself that time was needed to begin with. “I’ve moved clubs often in the past and I know that each time poses a new challenge of being better than before in a new team under a new coach. But I’m still the same player that I was at the start of the season. Sometimes it’s just a question of time until the hard work pays off and shows itself in performances and results.”
Domenico Tedesco had one thing in particular to point out when talking about his centre forward. “It’s important to consider where his strengths lie and how he should receive the ball.” André has been getting to grips with the movements and runs of his new team with the help of his teammates. Full backs Angeliño and Benjamin Henrichs have impressed from the wings, while fellow forward Christopher Nkunku leads the team in goals scored and comes in third place in assists. “He has an awful lot of service; that’s the positive effect of good teammates,” said Tedesco.
In photos: André Silva
Two-footed, strong in the air and solid from the spot
It seemed like it was only a matter of time until our number 33 got back to doing what he does best. Silva’s qualities put him among the best of the game’s complete forwards. His 1.85m height makes him a handful in the air for defenders, he can shoot with both feet and is a sure bet from the penalty spot. He’s also not one to shy away from a challenge – it’s rare to see a game where the forward doesn’t go into any less than 20 duels.
Silva’s quality is no surprise given that he plays alongside one of the world’s best footballers on a regular basis. In the majority of Silva’s 49 caps for Portugal, the forward’s strike partner was none other than Cristiano Ronaldo, and the pair have linked up on several occasions to find the back of the net. “Cristiano is the best footballer on the planet,” said Silva of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. “It’s really special to be able to play alongside him with the Portugal national team. If I am only half as successful as him, I’d be very proud of myself. But I’m trying to create my own path.”
And so far, that path has been a good one. His spell at Eintracht Frankfurt also demanded a period of acclimatisation after the move from AC Milan. After André gets settled in, it’s time for the success story.