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Two goals from six games isn’t alarming. Yet Elche must lift its offensive output as it returns to competition, a dip that spreads across the entire attacking line. So far, only Álex Collado and Ezequiel Ponce have found the net. This early stretch carries worrying figures.

If Francisco understands anything, it is how a striker connects with goals and how to weather a drought when nothing seems to drop. This moment sits in stark contrast to seasons past when Elche thrived in front of goal. Back then the team rarely needed a barrage of chances to score; their efficiency was enough. Now the issue leans toward a lack of proactive production rather than a lack of finishing quality. You cannot calibrate the second without solving the first.

The man credited with 88 official goals across his career has the coaching staff working to shield the attackers from mental strain during this goal drought. With Collado and Ponce standing out, the others in the frontline have gone months without scoring in official matches. In Ponce’s case, his impact has been limited as well, with just two goals since February and one against Athletic earlier this year that came in a game already lost.

SIZE: 246 DAYS

From shining at the Bernabéu to wearing white for much of the year, the best example may be Lucas Boyé. A few months ago he was among the most respected forwards in the Premier League, earning a call to the Argentina squad. Yet 246 days have passed without a personal goal, and the drought weighs heavily.

Boyé last scored on January 23 at the Santiago Bernabéu. On that day his performance helped the team press in the visit to the White House. Ongoing physical issues from the end of last season and the start of this one have limited him. He can still contribute beyond scoring, having assisted on the 1-4 victory over Athletic, but a longer scoring drought remains a concern.

PERE MILLA: 148 DAYS

Goalless after the summer saga

Last season Pere Milla posted a striking goal pace, becoming one of the most efficient forwards not only in Spain but across Europe. The holidays, his renewal, and the new campaign altered the rhythm, though. The soap opera around his contract lingered and colored perceptions of his consistency. Francisco continues to use him as a flexible option across attacking roles, yet the Catalan has not broken the team’s overall offensive mood. He has only two attempts, neither on target. It would be unfair to demand the 21/22 level of output, but Elche needs his opportunism and the credibility he brings in tough stretches.

ROGER MARCH: 129 DAYS

The main attacking signing has yet to find the back of the net

Roger Martí entered Elche with the hope of delivering a higher gear in scoring. His résumé features 47 goals and multiple double-digit seasons in the Premier League, promising a clear upgrade. In the current phase, the striker has not yet appeared in action. He did not debut with Franjiverde, has just two shots to his name, and has not played in the last two matches. His last league goal came against Rayo Vallecano, the same club that will be encountered next.

PONCE: 1 GOAL IN 219 DAYS

Investment and trust must yield results

Ponce has not yet joined the core scoring club despite a goal against Athletic, a contribution that wasn’t decisive for the team. It marks his second goal as a Frangiverde, the previous one arriving in February against Rayo. As an attacker aligned with both Francisco and Bragarnik, his output has fallen short of expectations. Last season’s late arrival and the team’s adjustment masked some issues, but ownership changes now demand more. The current burden is insufficient, even as there is faith from the coach. A stronger return is required from him.

SECOND LINE

Collado, Fidel, Morente, and Pastore must contribute more

Álex Collado remains Elche’s primary offensive presence with one goal and nine attempts, though his early sparkle has faded recently. He and Fidel, along with Tete Morente and Pastore, should play a bigger role in creating chances and finishing plays. Fidel had injuries in the opening month but has performed at a high level over the last three seasons as a creator, scoring last in Granada after 198 days. Morente is trusted by the coach and should receive more minutes to rebuild his timing after a wait. He hasn’t found the net since facing Betis last season, a span of 160 days. Pastore, a player of great talent, has not celebrated in 1248 days, a drought that needs breaking for the side to regain offensive confidence.