In-form Fábio Silva vying for Portugal recall as goal streak continues [video] | OneFootball

Silva has hit form in Germany [Getty Images]

There is no doubt Fábio Silva is currently enjoying his best form in a Borussia Dortmund shirt, after yet another goal set the German club on their way to a 3-0 win over Paderborn at the weekend.

For Silva, the goal in the 5th minute was his fourth in his last five matches in all competitions, with a further assist meaning the former Porto man has 5 goal involvements in 5 appearances. Silva was replaced in the 64th minute to a strong ovation from the home crowd, who are seeing a notable upturn in the 24-year-old's form in his second season.

Silva’s strong start to the campaign began with a goal in the Super Cup against Bayern Munich, albeit in a 2-1 defeat for Dortmund. The goal did not initially lead to more game time, with Silva left on the bench throughout the Bundesliga opening-day win over Hamburg.

However, when handed another chance to impress from the start against HEBC Hamburg in the German Cup, Silva again found the net in a 5-0 victory. Such impact meant Silva was called upon during the next league game when his side needed a goal as they trailed Hoffenheim 2-1, with Silva emerging from the bench to net the equaliser ahead of a comeback 3-2 victory.

In Dortmund’s subsequent outing against Villarreal in the Champions League, Silva entered the action in the 75th minute with the match level at 1-1. Within five minutes, the Portuguese striker set up a goal for Serhou Guirassy and Dortmund went on to claim a 3-2 victory.

It was therefore no surprise to see Silva’s name in the starting line-up for the first time in the Bundesliga this term for the visit of Paderborn on Saturday, which he justified with the opener. Speaking after the match, Silva responded to a question asking why he immediately ran to embrace teammate Felix Nmecha after his early goal against Paderborn.

“Because sometimes things aren’t easy in football or in life,” said the former Porto man. “Last season and even at the start of this one, there was a lot of noise surrounding me. He always came to me and tried to push me to get better and focus on what I can control.

"And he always told me that I can make a difference. He’s one of my best friends on the team and has helped me a lot. Not just after this game — even in past games, when things were going well, I always went up to him and said, ‘Thanks for helping me so much.’

“He’s one of the people who’s really helped me get to this moment. And if I’m in a situation like this now, it’s partly because of him.”

Silva not just about goals – Nmecha 

Silva has already surpassed his tally for last season, during which he scored just three goals in his debut campaign. Germany international Nmecha was asked about the pair’s celebration, insisting that Silva’s time at the club is perhaps not fairly reflected by his goal count.

“He told me that before the game,” Nmecha revealed. “He said, ‘If I score, I’ll come over to you.’ He’s an honest guy, and he kept his word.

“When it comes to Fábio, I’m not the kind of person who judges him solely by his goals. Even last season, he had a lot of good moments in my opinion. Of course, people will always talk, but I think he did what he could.

“When the confidence comes, you get your chances, and things start to click, it’s a joy to watch. Because we see just how much quality and talent he has. When he scores now, shows off beautiful plays, and plays so well, I’m really happy for the team. That’s just great for the team, and I’m looking forward to seeing even more of that.”

With Jorge Jesus’ first Portugal squad announcement imminent, the Gondomar-born striker could scarcely have made a stronger case for consideration.