Raul Jimenez: Opta stats show his value to Wolves after new deal

Raul Jimenez has signed a new contract with Wolves, tying him to the club until 2024.

The Mexico striker had been linked with teams like Juventus and Manchester United after some impressive displays for Wolves since signing from Benfica, initially on loan, in 2018.

That move was made permanent in 2019 and the 29-year-old has now committed the remainder of his peak years to Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.

Jimenez set lofty goals after signing his new deal, challenging the club to build on consecutive seventh-place finishes under Nuno.

Four more years for @Raul_Jimenez9 

pic.twitter.com/I4w32KpR6W

— Wolves (@Wolves) October 3, 2020

“The last two seasons we have given very good performances, so I knew this club has something special and I’m part of a big family here,” he said after the fresh terms were confirmed on Saturday.

“I think Wolves are getting the best out of me, and I’m giving Wolves my best football, but they are giving the best to me too.

“We reached seventh place the last two seasons, we got into the Europa League in my first season, but I think we can do better.

“We can be in the top six, but we have to think big, we have to aim high, and then we have to prove it. We can talk about it, but we have to prove it on the pitch.

“We have to play well and make the fans happy. Being in the top six and a return to the European competitions would be amazing, it is what we all want, and we are working for that.”

Jimenez crucial to Wolves

Opta statistics highlight Jimenez’s importance to Wolves. Since the start of last season, he has played in all 41 of club’s league matches, starting 40 of them. He also participated in all 38 of their top-flight games in his first season on loan at the club.

From the start of 2019-20, Jimenez has scored 19 Premier League goals. Only six top-flight players have higher totals, and only two of those play for teams outside of the big six – Jamie Vardy (28) and Danny Ings (25).

Jimenez has also been a key creator for Wolves, adding six assists across that period – second in the team behind Adama Traore (nine).

He ranks third in chances created for Wolves with 48 to his name in that timespan, behind just Joao Moutinho (83) and Traore (51).

The six headers he has scored since the start of last season is a total bettered in the Premier League only by Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has seven.

Jimenez also converts 60 per cent of his big chances. Of players with at least 10 goals since the start of last season, only Son Heung-min (65), Ings (64) and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (63) boast better totals.