Raul Jimenez was criticised for a below-par performance in Wolverhampton Wanderers’ FA Cup defeat to Manchester United. The 28-year-old missed chances on the night that he may have buried earlier in the season and the consensus among some fans is that he may benefit from a rest.
Wolves have now gone five games without a win and have scored just two goals in this time. Jimenez is enduring his own drought in recent weeks too, having failed to score in his last five appearances. He wasn’t at his best against United, but supporters sympathise and feel his form has dipped due to exhaustion.
https://twitter.com/sigarner_86/status/1217559219702050820?s=20
We've seen the worst of Jiménez and Doherty recently – partly because they're tired, but they also have no competition. Jonny, Neto and Adama have been the best players recently, because they have competition/points to prove, and Ruddy was great today. No coincidence.
— Ryan Plant (@ryanplant1998) January 15, 2020
Very flat tonight, lack of ideas and many players in particular Jimenez looking jaded. No options on the bench when a change of plan was needed. Signings needed urgently if we are to fulfil the promise we were showing. #wwfc
— WolvesFirst (@WolvesFirst) January 15, 2020
Jimenez looks goosed to me
Desperately needs a break – but he's going to keep on playing until there's another option.
Cutrone scored tonight, but not for #wwfc
If he wasn't up to it, fine – BUT you have to get someone in
We saw the drop off in Raul last season – worrying
— Nathan Judah (@NathanJudah) January 15, 2020
Just want to say that Jiménez has been very poor the last month, he should have scored today but instead passed it back to the keeper. As a professional he needs to be sharper in the box. He has had chances but not taken them. Netto full of energy but needs to look up. #wwfc
— Khalid Akhtar (@Kaldj22) January 15, 2020
Against United, the Mexican international played for 90 minutes, had 41 touches, won three aerial duels, had four shots with 50% accuracy, completed 69.6% of his 23 passes, made one tackle, whipped in one cross, made one clearance, drew one foul and had one successful dribble.
With Patrick Cutrone joining Fiorentina on loan, Wolves are short on attacking options. Jimenez has no natural replacement in the first-team and has been forced to play 90 minutes on a regular basis. He’ll likely start against Southampton on Saturday as Nuno Espirito Santo has nobody else to call upon.
Should Nuno give Raul Jimenez a rest?
Yes
