Blackburn captain Ryan Nelsen believes striker Roque Santa Cruz can go on to become an even better player.
"People say when foreigners come for the first year it's tough," Nelsen told BBC Radio Lancashire.
"He's found it tough scoring only 20. Hopefully next year he'll score 30," he wryly added.
Nelsen admitted he is not worried the 26-year-old, who Rovers signed for £3.8million, could become a target for other clubs.
"That's what you have to fight all the time because Blackburn players do generally well," said Nelsen.
"Our manager brings players in on the cheap and they do exceptionally well.
"But it's a great club to play for and if you talk to a lot of players who've left Blackburn they probably regret it."
