Wolverhampton Wanderers have lost just six matches this season, the second-fewest total in the Premier League behind leaders Liverpool’s one. Their resolute back five is a large part of the reason Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have been so successful this term, but without their leading goal scorer Raul Jimenez converting chances, Wolves would not be challenging for the European places once more.
The Mexican striker has been a sensation since arriving at Molineux Stadium and has fired in 13 Premier League goals in consecutive seasons to become Wolves’ all-time top scorer in the competition, eclipsing Steven Fletcher. Having featured primarily as a substitute for Benfica, the 28-year-old has seamlessly transitioned to a starting role and relished the opportunity to lead the line in the Premier League.
But it is not just goals that Jimenez contributes, as the striker has also provided 13 assists throughout his two top-flight campaigns, meaning he has been involved in a goal in 58 per cent of his Premier League appearances. The onus of converting chances has been placed almost entirely upon the former Atletico Madrid striker, but he has made it his duty to ensure they find their way into the back of the net.
The 28-year-old talisman can also boast an astonishing strike rate of 0.39 for the Midlands club, but it is the variety in the way he scores that makes him such a lethal opponent, having scored six headers, four left-footed strikes, five penalties, along with 16 off his favoured right foot.
Finding the back of the net with such regularity has led to Jimenez being involved in 26 top-flight wins for Wolves, which is also a record. Based on his seismic contribution leading the line for two seasons, it appears already the Mexican is begging to justify his £34.2m club-record move.
Across all competitions this term Jimenez has already notched 22 goals for Wolverhampton Wanderers, and in 15 matches his strikes have been decisive preventing the Midlands outfit from succumbing to defeat. His contribution has been incredibly telling, and he was a fantastic find by Santo given he had not featured regularly in Europe prior to his move. The manager’s trust has been well and truly repaid as Jimenez has written himself into Molineux folklore.
