West Ham United forward Javier Hernandez has been played in a more withdrawn role recently.
Hernandez led the line for West Ham over the early part of the campaign, but he has been given a deeper role more recently.
Hernandez has played out wide, and as a number 10, which has led to Bilic being heavily criticised.
The Mexican forward has always been renowned for his clinical finishing rather than his creativity, and West Ham fans do not believe Bilic is getting the best out of the summer signing.
However, Bilic has defended his decision, and suggested that Hernandez was getting annoyed because he wasn’t getting enough service as an out-and-out striker.
“The reason is people saw him once playing like it or saw the line-up on Sky and thought why is he playing there,” the Croatian boss said.
“The bigger reason is that for a few games we were without a lot of creativity in the middle of the park.
“We weren’t up the pitch enough times to get him the service.
“Like any other striker that made him a bit frustrated and he was leaving his position to get the ball.
“Now with most of the players back he can enjoy the games more. I am very excited.”
Hernandez is likely to be leading the line for West Ham tonight, during their game against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Hernandez is expected to shake off a knock to feature, and with Andy Carroll out through suspension, Hernandez looks Bilic’s most likely choice to play in the number nine role.
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