Raul Jiménez Is the Real Deal & Warrants Huge Wolves Price Tag
By Robbie Walls
This new era of artificial crowds and fist bump celebrations may all seem a little strange, but one thing that hasn't changed since before the league suspension is the electric form of Raúl Jiménez.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers forward has been terrific since his arrival in English football back in 2018 and has become 'Mr Reliable' for Nuno Espirito Santo.
Not only a fine player and goalscorer, the Mexican has been an ever-present this term, having already appeared in 46 games in all competitions for his side.
As his two goals since the restart have shown, he is not showing any signs of fatigue nor injury, and is seemingly thriving off the fearsome partnership with wide-man Adama Traoré.
Together, the pair have catapulted Wolves into contention for a Champions League place - and guided the club into the Last 16 of the Europa League - as the likes of Tottenham and Arsenal have faltered.
However, while it may be his team mate is who getting all the attention right now, Jiménez is arguably a much more important cog in Santo's machine and one he simply cannot afford to lose.
The 29-year-old is no spring chicken, yet is perhaps at the peak of his powers at the moment - and is rightly being touted with a number of high profile clubs.
Wolves have slapped a staggeringly high asking price on his head in order to ward off potential suitors, but it is easy to see why he is such a highly regarded talent.
His 24 goals this season in all competitions is frighteningly good for a player not exactly the most prolific throughout his career, yet it's overall play that has endeared him to many onlookers.
The former Benfica man's hold up play is an integral asset to his side's play, and something which perhaps sets him apart from a number of the Premier League's top marksmen.
In an era where strikers are desperate for a through ball, Jiménez is something of a throwback - as he's often seen wrestling his marker off the ball and bringing others into play.
Let's not do him a disservice, however. He is not a mere workhorse nor just a physical presence, he is a truly gifted all-around forward - the like of which is seldom found in top-flight football these days.
His goal on Wednesday night was a real thing of beauty, as he bustled his way past the Bournemouth defence before unleashing a bullet header into the roof of the net, a carbon copy of his goal just a few days earlier against West Ham - again courtesy of a Traoré assist.
The prospect of a such an explosive partnership lasting beyond this season is seemingly wishful thinking, but at present Wolves have arguably the most dynamic attacking duo around.
Unlike his team mate, what makes Jiménez so unique is his unbelievable consistency, something which a number of other clubs are crying out for.
Take Manchester United for example. While forward Anthony Martial may have bagged himself a hat-trick against Sheffield United, his performance against Tottenham just a few days prior was non-existent, and epitomised his frustrating inconsistency.
Jiménez is no doubt a player that United will be keeping a close eye, particularly if Martial continues to blow hot and cold in the season run-in.
Whether or not he does secure a move is another question, but what is clear is that Jiménez does not need to leave Molineux in search of greater recognition or ambition - he is already, arguably, the league's most complete forward.