Comment: Why it is too soon to pass judgement on Aston Villa's record buy Wesley

The fact he arrived from Club Brugge a relative unknown, coupled with his position of striker and – of course, the £22million transfer fee – meant there was always slightly more expectation on the Brazilian's shoulders than Villa’s other signings during a summer of major change.

It is fair to say, now nearly two months into the campaign, that Wesley’s start to life in the Premier League has been mixed.

Some bright moments and one excellent all-round performance (against Everton) have been dotted around some largest indifferent ones. Wesley’s display in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Burnley was probably the poorest and drew criticism from supporters, of which the player is acutely aware.

Yet those critics may be surprised to learn that, at least statistically, the 22-year-old is doing pretty well when compared to his predecessors.

In an era when buying from foreign leagues has become the norm, Villa have always preferred to do most of their business in the domestic market where the forward department is concerned.

Prior to Wesley, you could count the number of strikers signed permanently by the club from overseas since the formation of the Premier League in 1992 on the fingers of one hand.

His return of two goals in his first seven appearances for Villa is better than that achieved by both Savo Milosevic (one in seven) and Juan Pablo Angel (none in seven). It is the equal of Christian Benteke and John Carew, the latter of whom arrived at Villa in 2007 with vast experience in the Champions League (Wesley has, of course, already surpassed the hapless Bosko Balaban, who never scored a goal or made a Premier League start).

Benteke is an interesting comparison, both in terms of age (he was 21 when he joined Villa, compared to Wesley’s 22) and the fact he was also signed from the Belgian League.

Brilliant though his Villa career turned out, it is often forgotten Benteke was not short of doubters during his early months in England.

During the latest Villa Trust podcast, long-time supporter Howard Hodgson recalled hearing many fans write the Belgian striker off after he missed a late chance in a 1-0 defeat at Fulham, early in his Villa career.

Benteke's first 13 Premier League appearances delivered only three goals. He would finish the season having scored 19 in 34.

Of course, there are no guarantees Wesley will experience the same kind of transformation. It is also true there is much more to being a centre-forward than just scoring goals.

The numbers do rather highlight, however, the folly of making too quick a judgment on a player still getting to grips with a different country and league.

The difference, or more precisely disadvantage for Wesley, is that Villa’s previous foreign striker buys were joining an established Premier League club, while he has been tasked with leading the line in one still finding its feet back in the top flight.

Neither does he have an experienced head to help with the load.

Milosevic had Dwight Yorke, while Angel’s early struggles were eased by then boss John Gregory being able to call on Dion Dublin, Paul Merson and an emerging Darius Vassell. Even Benteke had Darren Bent, Villa’s previous record signing.

Wesley, by contrast, has only the similarly green (by Premier League standards) Keinan Davis and Jonathan Kodjia in support. The latter has missed the first two months of the season through injury.

That again places the focus on Villa’s summer overhaul which, while extensive, always felt like it ended with the club one striker short.

None of which is Wesley’s fault. It is, however, a problem and the onus falls on him to help the club solve it.