Sensational Raúl Jiménez: the Mexican is finally back to his best

Raúl Jiménez scored his fourth Premier League goal in five starts during Fulham’s 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday. That brings his tally to 10 in his last 12 starts and seven in his previous seven at home. 

He also stole the show during Mexico’s convincing 2-0 triumph over the USA earlier in the week, scoring a stunning free kick from 30 yards in the first half and tenaciously won the ball off Tim Ream to set up his teammate for his side’s second. 

But the striker’s cheeky flicks, tricks, and demeanour also caught my attention in that international friendly. The Fulham player even pulled off a ‘robona’, an audacious skill that like the free kick, only a player full of confidence could execute.

It was reminiscent of his scintillating performances at the peak of his powers for Wolves before his life-changing head injury. This raises the question: is the Jiménez that was once tearing Premier League teams apart finally back?

Jiménez burst onto the scene at Wolves

On loan from Benfica in 2018, Jiménez’s 13 Premier League goals helped Wolves achieve a remarkable seventh-place finish in their first season back from the Championship.

Following a club-record £31m permanent move, the number nine netted 17 league goals, and another 10 in a thrilling Europa League campaign.

Jiménez instantly became a fan favourite. He scored an exceptional variety of goals, linked up play with marvellous creativity, and worked tirelessly off the ball. 

But in his third season, Jiménez’s career – and life – were thrown into jeopardy.

The injury 

After Jiménez fractured his skull colliding with Arsenal’s David Luiz in November 2020, doctors said that it was a miracle he survived. 

Sidelined for nine months, he did make his comeback to the Premier League for the 2020/21 season. But with just six goals to his name in 34 appearances by the end of the campaign, his form was suffering. 

‘’It’s quite clear that he didn’t hit the same levels and he wasn’t as clinical with the chances in the same way,’’ former Wolves player Don Goodman told the NY Times. 

Jiménez failed to score a goal in the subsequent Premier League season. The physical and psychological toll of the injury became increasingly evident. The once-prolific goalscorer’s future as an elite-level forward was in doubt.  

Fulham take a chance 

As a Fulham supporter, I was admittedly surprised when Jiménez signed in the 2023 summer transfer window. For £5.5m it seemed like a reasonable gamble – not as a starter, but to provide some experience and squad depth.

But when our beloved Serb, Aleksander Mitrovic, made a late move for Al-Hilal, Fulham had no time to find an adequate replacement. Rather unexpectedly, Fulham went into the season with Jiménez leading the line. 

Watching Jiménez struggling up top at the start of his tenure at Craven Cottage was frustrating. The forward who once stunned crowds with wild goals and skills seemed hesitant in front of goal, playing within himself.

He wasn’t terrible, and Marco Silva clearly valued his link-up play which allowed his talented wide players to thrive. Yet for those of us who remembered the fearless, clinical Jiménez in his prime, there was a lingering sense that something was missing.

Purple patches 

Jiménez ended a 33-game goal drought against Aston Villa in November 2023, which seemed to spark some life into the Mexican, as he netted four goals in quick succession the following month. 

The striker was sharper in front of goal, impacting games more effectively, and crucially, taking risks; typified by an outrageous backheel goal against Nottingham Forest. 

Unfortunately, injuries and suspensions soon sidelined Jiménez again. In his absence, Rodrigo Muniz hit a purple patch of his own, scoring eight goals in eight games, promoting the Brazilian to Fulham’s first-choice striker for the remainder of the season. 

After a couple of underwhelming performances from Muniz at the start of this season, Silva turned to Jiménez – and his faith has been rewarded. With four goals and an assist in his last six league games, Jiménez has found his groove again. 

But it’s not just the numbers that are getting the fans excited. Silva’s tactics this term seem to be getting the best out of Jiménez – aided by Emile Smtih Rowe’s arrival and Adama Traore’s growing presence. 

His unorthodox tricks and ‘robona’ attempts, while frustrating when they don’t come off, show signs of the player that was so successful before his injury. To get the best out of Jiménez, he needs the freedom to express himself. Evidenced by his recent performance for Mexico, and his delicious half-volleyed backheel assist against Manchester City, Jiménez is playing with a smile on his face again. 

If the 33-year-old stays fit, we might just witness one last vintage season from Jiménez.