RAUL’S GOT WORLD IN HIS HANDS
STEVE BULL has warned Wolves’ Premier League rivals that Raul Jimenez isn’t firing on all cylinders yet.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have had a steady start to the new season and currently sit in ninth place with eight games played.
Mexico international Jimenez, 29, continues to be a key man.
He has already bagged four goals after notching 17 in the top flight last term.
But Bull, who is Wolves’ all-time record goalscorer, reckons there’s even more to come from the No.9.
“There are some top-class strikers in world football, but with another season in the Premier League he’s only going to get better and better,” he said.
“Jimenez is in the top five Premier League strikers all day long. He’s an unbelievable player and has been consistently brilliant for Wolves.
“He is playing as a single striker most of the time and works his socks off. He’ll chase, run and still take chances.
“It’s definitely his workrate that makes him so special. He won’t wait for the perfect pass to come in, he’ll be hunting and harrying defenders – but he’s got that clinical finish. Some of his goals I’d be proud of.”
Jimenez moved to Molineux, initially on loan, in 2018 from Portuguese heavyweights Benfica.
Following a successful debut season in the Midlands, Wolves handed over
£32million to secure his services permanently.
Jimenez was linked with a big-money move to Manchester United
12 months ago.
But a transfer failed to materialise and he committed to Wolves by penning a new four-year contract in October that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2024.
And Bull says the influential ace won’t be going anywhere any time soon.
“Now he’s signed the deal I think it’ll scare other clubs away, which is great news for Wolves,” he said.
“Players come and go these days, but I speak to him regularly and he’s very happy – and so are his family here in England.
“He’s got everything settled here so he’s just as happy as Wolves fans are.”
Nuno’s future was tied up just a few weeks before Jimenez’s.
The Portuguese chief agreed a three-year contract extension in September.
“Players want to join because of the fanbase, the setup and the manager,” added Bull.
“When Nuno came to the club in
2017 nobody really knew who he was but after a few months we realised he was the real deal.
“The football is superb and he wants to keep pushing for those top four or five spots.”
‘He’s got that clinical finish. Some of his goals I’d be proud of’