Bruno Lage suggests he wishes he had Jimenez at Benfica

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Bruno Lage has lavished praise on Wolves striker Raul Jimenez as per the Express and Star.

Lage hinted that Jimenez was the striker he wanted at Benfica to replace Joao Felix.

But by that time, Benfica had sold Jimenez to Wolves and Lage had to wait 18 months to work with the Mexican talisman.

“I am happy to work with him,” said Lage on Jimenez. “I remember when I was at Benfica and we sold Joao Felix. I created a profile for a [replacement] striker.

“Rui Costa [Benfica director of football] said ‘the guy you want was here – but we sold him to Wolves’. One-and-half years later, I’m here working with Raul so I am very happy. He is a top player and a top person.

“With him and Coady, you can see two guys that the younger guys can look to as a good example and see that you can be a top player and also a top person. I’m very happy with what Raul is doing.

“He can do everything. I’m just here to see the last phase of the process but I think he can do everything. And that’s also what I’m seeing in training every day.”

It bodes well that Lage’s style of play aligns well with Jimenez’s strengths and he’s wanted him for years.

The chances are that Jimenez would get goals for Lage regardless, he’s that good.

But if Lage has wanted to work with Jimenez long before he’s actually got the chance, that suggests he knows how he wants to get the best out of him.

That’s exciting for Wolves fans and dangerous for Premier League defences.

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