Persebaya Surabaya’s striker, Flavio Silva, has been under scrutiny for his performances this season. The 28-year-old forward has only found the back of the net once across nine games in the 2024/2025 BRI Liga 1 season, a statistic that has raised concerns among fans and critics.
As Persebaya prepares to face PSIS Semarang in the 10th round of Liga 1 at Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium, Gianyar, on Saturday (November 2, 2024), expectations are high for the team and Silva. Head coach Paul Munster, who brought Silva to the club this season, had hoped the striker would replicate the success he found with his previous team, Persik Kediri.
Silva’s journey in Indonesian football began when he joined Persik Kediri in the second half of the 2022/2023 Liga 1 season. Over that period, he achieved an impressive record of 30 goals in 45 matches. Last season alone, Silva scored 23 goals, ranking him as the league’s second-highest scorer, just behind David da Silva of Persib Bandung, who netted 27 goals.
Persebaya has another option in Rizky Dwi Pangestu, a local striker who could see more playing time if Silva’s struggles continue. In light of these challenges, Munster has indicated that he is evaluating his tactics for the upcoming match against PSIS, stating, “There will be some tactical changes. What’s most important is both the team’s and individual players’ performances. I have regular conversations with the players, and I’m expecting a solid performance from Flavio.”
Rizky, however, has yet to score this season as well. He made substitute appearances in his first two games against Barito Putera (August 23, 2024) and Persib Bandung (October 18, 2024). Rizky then made his first start against PSM Makassar on October 23, where he played 55 minutes before being replaced by Silva.
Munster highlighted the importance of each player’s commitment, especially as Persebaya’s stats reflect a challenging season so far. The team has only scored eight goals in nine matches, with an average of less than one goal per game. “Each player needs to step up. My expectations are high, as are the fans’. That’s why I’m looking forward to the next match—I believe the team will deliver a strong performance and that players will step up and score,” added Munster.
Persebaya is currently positioned fourth in the standings with 18 points, though they have not secured a win in their last three matches, with two ending in draws and one in defeat.
