Wolverhampton Wanderers were knocked out of the FA Cup in a penalty shootout against Bournemouth, adding to a string of disappointing results for the team.
To make matters worse, star player Matheus Cunha was sent off in the final moments of extra time, meaning he will be suspended for several upcoming games.
This situation highlights how much the club could benefit from a player like Raul Jimenez, especially to lead the attack in Cunha’s absence. Initially, Cunha was seen as the natural successor to Jimenez after the Mexican striker left.
Raul Jimenez: A Molineux Hero – His Wolves Career in Numbers
Jimenez joined Wolves in 2018 as they returned to the Premier League, scoring 17 goals in all competitions in his first season.
His second season was even more impressive. Wolves finished seventh for the second consecutive year, and Jimenez scored 27 goals and provided nine assists. The team also reached the Europa League quarter-finals.
| Raul Jimenez’s Wolves Statistics | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Games | Goals | Assists |
| 2022/23 | 20 | 3 | 1 |
| 2021/22 | 36 | 6 | 5 |
| 2020/21 | 11 | 4 | 0 |
| 2019/20 | 55 | 27 | 10 |
| 2018/19 | 44 | 17 | 7 |
Jimenez’s attacking talent was undeniable, but injuries began to trouble him. A serious skull fracture in November 2020 sidelined him for the rest of the season, and he arguably never fully recovered his form at Wolves.
He scored only nine more goals for the club and was sold to Fulham in the summer of 2023 for a reported £5.5 million.
Since joining Fulham, Jimenez has scored 18 goals, while Wolves have struggled to find a true replacement to fill his role as a beloved figure at the club.
Wolves Might Have Found Their Next Raul Jimenez
If Cunha isn’t the answer, could Jorgen Strand Larsen be the right player?
The Norwegian striker initially joined on loan last summer, with the deal set to become permanent at the end of the season.
With seven goals and three assists, his stats might not seem extraordinary. However, three of these goals were against top teams like Chelsea, Manchester City, and Tottenham Hotspur, suggesting he performs well against strong opposition.
Journalist Josh Bunting praised Larsen last August, highlighting qualities reminiscent of Jimenez, particularly his ability to be in the right place at the right time. Bunting noted, “His off-ball movement really stands out. He’s sharp and gets into good spaces.”
Compared to other Premier League players in his position, Larsen is in the top 1% for shot accuracy (63.9% per 90 minutes) and in the top 24% for aerial duels won (2.27 per 90 minutes). For comparison, Jimenez ranks in the top 21% for aerial duels won with 2.64, showing their similar strength in the air.
At 25, Larsen is likely to improve as he gains more experience in the Premier League. With Cunha suspended, Larsen will need to step up in the coming weeks.
If he can score the goals to help Wolves stay in the top division, fans might just start to see him as the new Jimenez.
Vihaan Mehrotra