Dylan Vente reflects on role at Hibs and return as a central striker.

Dylan Vente has shown remarkable versatility and commitment to the team’s cause during his time at Hibs under Nick Montgomery. Despite being predominantly a penalty box striker throughout his career, he has adapted to playing in deeper positions due to the team’s personnel issues earlier in the season. This adjustment, while commendable, has impacted Vente’s own goalscoring aspirations.

However, in the recent 2-1 victory over Dundee, Vente was reinstated as Hibs’ primary attacking focal point after a brief spell on the bench. He marked his return with a composed penalty finish, securing his first goal since December 3. Although a second goal was disallowed due to a tight offside call, Vente’s performance highlighted his natural finishing ability. It’s evident that when deployed in his preferred role, Vente is capable of contributing significantly to the team’s goal tally.

“It’s been a while, everybody knows it, including me,” he said with a wry smile. “So it was a good feeling. I felt good, playing more as the striker, so it felt good. I got more chances so it was a good day for me.

“I am a guy that always works hard, I accept the choice of the trainer and the next time you get in you have to perform well and do your thing. Saturday was a good opportunity to play as a real striker, to get in the areas you want to be in. Unfortunately the offside goal was not given, but I am getting in those positions now.

“I’ve played my whole life as a deeper striker. In the first half of the season, Martin Boyle had to play as the striker, we had some injuries. I understand it, as a player you want to play in the positions you are most comfortable. I am happy that Saturday was a day I can show myself in the position I want to play in.

“Boyley is back too on the right side and I think he is really dangerous there, that’s huge for us. Like all players up front, they have their own ability, style. That is good for the team, there is competition but that is good to keep you sharp.”

Hibs’ five-point deficit against the visitors on Saturday made victory unachievable; Myziane Maolida scored the game-winning goal after a feed from Vente, just as Luke McCowan’s effort appeared to have given Dundee a point. The outcome keeps Hibs in the running to return to the top six, and even though that low goal is a reflection of the campaign’s lackluster start, it was still very crucial to achieve.

Securing a victory could set a strong foundation for Hibs to finish the season on a high note, and it certainly boosts morale as they head into Wednesday’s Edinburgh derby. Despite trailing Hearts by 21 points, Dylan Vente emphasizes that the context of the gap disappears once the match begins.

“This win is significant for us, especially after the tough run of games we’ve had recently,” said Vente. “It’s a confidence boost for us heading into the next match. The derby is always a massive fixture for us, and given our current position, it’s even more crucial. We need to approach it with sharpness, confidence, and give it our all.”

Reflecting on the team’s mindset, Vente acknowledges that losing or drawing doesn’t lift spirits in the dressing room. However, with the recent win, there’s a noticeable improvement in mood among the players. Vente stresses the uniqueness of derby matches and the need for the team to trust in their abilities.

“Despite the gap between us and our rivals, we have to focus on each game individually without dwelling too much on the points difference,” Vente explained. “We need to take it game by game and give our best effort every time we step onto the field. The results will speak for themselves in the end.”