Journalist Liam Keen has claimed that Wolves striker Raul Jimenez should start in the club’s next game after his recent cup performance.
New manager Julen Lopetegui got off to a winning start as he saw his side pick up a 2-0 home victory against Gillingham in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
After 77 minutes, Jimenez opened the scoring for his side from the spot before Rayan Ait-Nouri sealed the victory with an effort in the dying stages.
After this match, Wolves will return to action in the Premier League with an away trip to Everton on Boxing Day, and Keen has asserted that their Mexican striker should be trusted to start if he’s fit.
Speaking on the Express & Star YouTube channel, he said: “For my money, he starts against Everton on Boxing Day – if he’s fit enough to start again.
“Because I don’t think [Diego] Costa offered anywhere near enough today, unfortunately.”
TIF Thoughts on Raul Jimenez and Wolves…
Injury and fitness struggles had kept Jimenez from playing in the league since August, but he has since played for his nation at the World Cup – he came off the bench in all three of Mexico’s group games.
He is, of course, rivalling Diego Costa for a spot in the team. However, the Spaniard didn’t exactly shine in his 81 minutes against Gillingham. Indeed, as per Sofascore, he missed one big chance and had two shots off target, posting just 32 touches of the ball.
Jimenez only had 21 minutes to prove his quality but most crucially managed to score a goal – something Costa is yet to do for Wolves – and so looks to have put himself in with a shot of starting against Everton.