Why Raul Jimenez should reject Manchester United for Wolves stay

A significant concern of lockdown for teams would be whether they could rediscover their best form once football resumed over the weekend. That, though, wasn't an issue for Wolves. They had a fairly accomodating opponent to welcome them back to domestic action in the form of West Ham, and while a potential banana skin, Wolves ultimately made light work of the relegation threatened Hammers. 

Nuno Espirito Santo's side statistically have one of the easiest run ins and they put in a mature display in east London. It took the introductions of Adama Traore and Pedro Neto to turn the game in Wolves' favour as they eventually got the job done, but the man of the match award belonged to the man who put the visitors ahead in London. 

Raul Jimenez has been a revelation for Wolves on the back of his loan arrival from Benfica two years ago. Having netted 13 league goals in his debut season in England, the Mexican bagged his 14th Premier League goal of the campaign at the London Stadium. Any worries over Jimenez being a one-season wonder have been banished and then some. A WhoScored rating of 7.34 is enough to make the Premier League team of the season so far and a signficant increase on his 2018/19 rating (7.07). 

However, the downside of Jimenez's exceptional form on the frontline means a host of Europe's elite sides have taken an interest in the 29-year-old. Manchester United are monitoring his situation, so too are Real Madrid, who are weighing up the possibility of bringing Jimenez back to the Spanish capital. Juventus are now rumoured to have joined the queue of growing admirers, who will view themselves above Wolves in the food chain. 

The Midlands outfit tied Jimenez down to a permanent deal last summer in order to ward off interest in their star forward, but his excellent showings in attack this term has the vultures circling. "I would like to continue in England," Jimenez said recently, but added: "If you tell me that tomorrow an offer from Real Madrid or Barcelona comes, it is obvious that you do not let such an opportunity go." 

At his age, it's feasible to suggest that Jimenez has one final chance to earn a high profile move. Now at the peak of his powers, Wolves are understandably adament that the striker, if he is to be sold, will not be done so on the cheap. Along with Traore, the club are braced for a summer of speculation linking their two star men with moves away from Molineux as their Champions League push attracts big name suitors from the continent. 

Given the qualities to Jimenez's game, it's little wonder a number of Europe's big hitters are casting watchful glances towards Molineux. With an additional six assists to his name, he has had a direct hand in 20 league goals this season, that the fifth best return in the Premier League. With 'key passes' and 'holding on to the ball' two of his four statistically calculated WhoScored strengths, Jimenez is the ideal frontman you'd want leading your attack

Yet, would it be in his best interests to leave the club at this point in time for the chance to play for one of Europe's elite sides? It would be difficult to turn down the chance to play for the likes of Real Madrid or Barcelona, yet what has made Jimenez so effective is that he is playing in a side that plays to his strengths. Wolves are a rarity in that they are a top team that plays a three-man defensive setup. 

Looking across Europe's top five leagues, a four-man backline is more common, but Santo has found the perfect system to play to his side's strengths. Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves set the tempo in midfield, while Matt Doherty and Jonny are afforded the chance to bombard up field and help stretch opponents. 

The duo don't shirk their defensive responsibilities, with their respective work rate ensuring the three centre-backs aren't caught out at the back, yet with 42% of Wolves' attacks coming down their right compared to 37% down their left, and Jonny (3) averaging more tackles per game than Doherty (1.4) of all Wolves players, it's clear the latter has a greater offensive impact down the flanks than the former as he looks to be to the byline and pick out Jimenez, who has managed the second most headed attempts (21) in the Premier League this season. 

For big hitters courting Jimenez, though, they don't play in such a system and given a willingness to bring others into play, this may risk a drop in his effectiveness. The deployment of the likes of Traore, Neto and Jota in support of Jimenez, too, grants the striker ample support in the final third from two fleet-of-foot attackers to occupy defenders and allow Jimenez to play to his best traits. 

It's for that reason only Traore (8) has more assists than Jimenez (6) of all Wolves players in the Premier League this season. Able to hold off opponents with relative ease and create for his teammates, Jimenez is putting up an average of 1.5 key passes per 90 in England's top tier this term and with three of his six assists coming for Traore to score, it's clear that having two attackers working close to Jimenez has its benefits. Would he be awarded such a luxury in a different side? It remains to be seen. 

And that's one of the main reasons why the green may not be greener on the other side for Jimenez. He was never truly considered a top quality forward before his move to Wolves, and even then, few could have predicted he'd have such a huge influence for the club. Wolves, of course, only really identify targets based on extensive scouting and bring in players who'd best suit this system, and on this occasion; Jimenez was a top pick. 

Even so, Jimenez, has endured disappointing spells in Spain and Portugal, largely due to a lack of faith in his ability, but Santo has made him first choice frontman for Wolves and he plans on keeping it that way over the coming weeks as the club pushes for a Champions League finish. It's only fair that Jimenez be linked with one of the continent's biggest sides with his form warranting interest from a host of top teams, though, from a personal perspective, it may be wise for the striker to reject advances from the likes of Real Madrid and Juventus and instead continue in a team that plays to his best qualities and has propelled him to one of the Premier League's most feared frontmen.