Wolverhampton Wanderers were eliminated from the FA Cup over the weekend after a penalty shootout loss to Bournemouth, adding to a series of disappointing results for the Old Gold.
The match ended on a sour note as star player Matheus Cunha was sent off in the final minute of extra time, meaning he’ll be unavailable for several upcoming matches.
In his absence, the club could really use a player like Raul Jimenez to lead the attack, especially considering the Brazilian was initially thought to be the perfect successor for the Mexican striker following his departure.
Molineux’s Cult Hero: The Numbers Behind Raul Jimenez’s Wolves Career
Jimenez joined Wolves in 2018 ahead of their return to the Premier League, scoring 17 goals across all competitions in his first season. His second season was even more impressive, with the Old Gold finishing seventh for the second consecutive year. Jimenez netted 27 goals and provided nine assists, while Wolves also made it to the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
Raul Jimenez’s Wolves Statistics:
Data via Transfermarkt
Jimenez’s prowess in the final third was undeniable, but injuries soon took their toll. A serious skull fracture in November 2020 kept him sidelined for the remainder of the season, and he struggled to regain his former level. He went on to score just nine more goals for the club before being sold to Fulham for £5.5m in the summer of 2023.
Since his move to Fulham, Jimenez has netted 18 goals, while Wolves have yet to find a true successor to his cult hero status.
Could Jorgen Strand Larsen Be Wolves’ Next Raul Jimenez?
If not Cunha, could Jorgen Strand Larsen be the answer?
The Norwegian striker was brought in on loan last summer, with a permanent transfer set for the end of the season. Though he’s scored only seven goals and provided three assists, three of those goals have come against top-tier teams like Chelsea, Manchester City, and Tottenham, showing his ability to perform against stronger opposition.
Journalist Josh Bunting praised Larsen’s qualities last August, particularly his knack for finding the right position at the right time: “His movement off the ball really stands out to me. He’s sharp on the ball and gets into space really well.”
When compared to his Premier League peers, Larsen ranks in the top 1% for shots on target percentage (63.9%) per 90 minutes and in the top 24% for aerial duels won (2.27) per 90. For reference, Jimenez ranked in the top 21% for aerials won (2.64), highlighting their shared strengths in the air.
At just 25, Larsen is only expected to improve with more experience in the Premier League. With Cunha now suspended due to his red card in the FA Cup, Larsen will need to step up in the coming weeks. If he can deliver the goals that help keep Wolves in the Premier League, the fans may begin to place him in the same esteemed category as Jimenez.
REPORT: Wolves have finally found their new Raul Jimenez and it’s not Cunha
