Javier Hernandez has been used as a withdrawn forward at West Ham United so far.
Hernandez was brought to West Ham from Bayer Leverkusen during the summer transfer window, and the Mexican forward was expected to guarantee the London side goals.
However, Hernandez has scored just three times for West Ham to date – and he is yet to show his top form.
Bilic has utilised Hernandez in a withdrawn role so far, rather than as his side’s main striker, which has come as a surprise.
And Phelan feels that Hernandez will not be fully enjoying his current role in the side.
”You just hope that Chicha isn’t judged on a couple of indifferent games in a position which isn’t his strongest,” the former Hull City boss said. “From his point of view, he’ll want to be at the top of the pitch.
“If the service is there for Chicha in and around the 18-yard box, you can guarantee he’s one of those players who will hit the target more often than not, which means he’ll score more goals than he’ll miss. It’s just a question of how you play to him.”
Hernandez could be handed a role as West Ham’s central striker in the coming weeks, due to Andy Carroll’s suspension.
Bilic will have to choose between playing Hernandez up-front or starting with Diafra Sakho, with Carroll sidelined.
West Ham’s next fixture comes on Friday evening, when they take on Brighton & Hove Albion in Premier League action.
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