Hull City boss Steve Bruce admits Sone Aluko had made a big impact on rival managers before his Achilles injury.
Aluko's form before the injury was turning heads in the top-flight and Bruce has revealed that even Arsene Wenger was keen to know how the striker was progressing when City travelled to Arsenal last week.
"He started off the season in a way that gave us something a little bit different," said Bruce to the Hull Daily Mail.
"I'm not saying he's essential to the team but it plays better when he's in it because he's a good player.
"I shouldn't make the comparison but it's like Liverpool without Suarez or Manchester United without Rooney.
"He's our talisman who gives us that little something different.
"We can be organized and efficient but at the end of the day Sone's got ability at the top of the pitch that you don't see too often anymore.
"Arsene Wenger even asked about him the other day. That should give Sone confidence if someone like Arsene Wenger is asking all about when he's coming back."
