It has been a difficult start to the season for Wolverhampton Wanderers players, especially for Raul Jimenez.
The striker struggled to make an impact for Wolves yet again in his team’s 2-0 loss to Brentford this past weekend.
His misery was compounded after he missed a glorious chance towards the end of Saturday’s match and removed his protective headband in frustration.
The Mexican striker is yet to score since returning from his fractured skull injury suffered against Arsenal last November.
Despite this, both the club and fans should remain patient with their all-time Premier League record goalscorer.
Below is why..
Jimenez has undoubted potential
During his previous two full seasons at Wolves, Jimenez scored 30 Premier League goals. Last season prior to his injury, he had scored four in the league.
His goalscoring statistics just highlight the striker’s importance to Wolves’ Premier League status since achieving promotion in 2018.
Although there will be concerns that he will never reach these heights again after a life-changing injury, he deserves to be given the benefit of the doubt so far.
In addition to scoring twice in pre-season, Jimenez has shown that he still has an eye for a pass. He is in the league’s top 10 for both through-balls and chances created this season.
Jimenez may have missed a good headed chance versus Brentford. However, his determination to get there and use his head despite his previous injury highlights immense bravery.
Period of adaptation under new manager
It seems a long time ago since Wolves’ number nine arrived in the West Midlands in 2018.
Despite scoring on his debut, it did take Jimenez some time to get up and running under ex-boss Nuno Espirito Santo.
After his second goal versus Burnley in September 2018, it took Jimenez six games until he scored this third.
Once he got that third, his career at Molineux really exploded – finding the net 15 more times in all competitions during his inaugural season in English football.
This is the sign of a striker who relies on confidence – hopefully, once he gets one, patience will pay off and he can gradually return to his goalscoring rates of old.