Five talking points on Wolves' new striker Raul Jimenez's World Cup game against Germany
Wolves’ new striker Raul Jimenez made his World Cup bow as a substitute for Mexico during their 1-0 win over reigning champions Germany.
And with the 27-year-old coming to Molineux from Benfica next season, Jamie Brassington ran the rule over his performance.
Quiet game
It was hard to make a detailed assessment of Jimenez from his time on the pitch as he only played for the last half an hour. You could say that is enough time to make an analysis.
But the type of game he was in – being a vital World Cup group fixture – meant he probably tailored his playing style and positioning to help his side secure the victory. And this meant being more defensive and not taking any risks.
Jimenez came on in the 66th minute and replaced goalscorer Hirving Lozano – who grabbed the lead for Mexico in the first half.
Unlike Mexico’s loud goal celebrations which caused a minor earthquake back in their country – yes, it really did – it is fair to say Jimenez had a quiet game with little chance to influence the proceedings.
Playing deep
Jimenez replaced Lozano in the left forward role. But when he came on to the pitch he was playing a bit deeper when Mexico were on the back foot. The Mexicans by then had adopted a more defensive formation to protect their 1-0 lead and see out the win.
When Germany were pushing up field, Jimenez – during his first 10 minutes – opted to stay back and see off any passes or through-balls that could come his way rather than run at the German players.
This was possibly the defensive strategy Mexican manager Juan Carlos Osorio told his players to deploy.
Involvement
When Jimenez did actually get on the ball, he looked like an agile and nimble player.
He chased down a loose ball from a clearance and fought to win them a throw-in.
And in the German half of the pitch, he made a few good exchange of passes on the left flank in what was good Mexican link-up play.
However, during a fast counter-attack where Jimenez had the ball in the centre and team-mates to his left and right side, Jimenez took too long and his pass was intercepted in what was a good goalscoring chance.
Overall, Jimenez had no clear-cut goalscoring chances. We may see Jimenez given more licence to showcase the talent that has earned him 31 goals for Benfica during Mexico’s remaining World Cup games against Sweden and South Korea.
Selection
Although Jimenez has featured for top Portuguese side Benfica for the past three years, Mexican boss Osorio decided to use him as a substitute against Germany.
Instead his team-mates Javier Hernandez, Carlos Vela and Lozano got the nod ahead as part of a front attacking three in a 4-3-3 formation.
Wolves fans would have been asking the question why didn’t he start. It would have been good to see him play for a greater length of time.
Perhaps Osorio will decide on a change during the upcoming two group games and see Jimenez slot in.
Experience
However Mexico will end up finishing in this tournament, playing at the World Cup should surely give Jimenez good experience going in the Premier League next season.
Playing at the World Cup should act as a big confidence boost to Jimenez as he tackles the top tier of English football next season.
