Nuno knew Raul Jimenez would shine with Wolves
Nuno Espirito Santo always knew Raul Jimenez had the potential to go from an impact substitute to Wolves’ top goalscorer.
Jimenez was signed on loan from Portuguese side Benfica, where he was mainly limited to appearances off the bench, last summer.
And he has impressed so much at Molineux, netting 12 times in the Premier League, that the deal is becoming permanent for a club record £32million in the upcoming window.
Nuno first saw him when managing Porto – and was grabbed by the Mexican’s ability.
“Quality, talent, a player that every time he had his chance, I saw quality,” said Nuno on why he brought Jimenez to Wolves.
“I was there in Portugal, working, and I faced him a couple of times.
“He is a talent. I saw a player that works really hard, and we went for it.
“We saw a lot of things, deep analysis, and then we made the decision. Fortunately, it went well.”
Jimenez’s displays in old gold have seen him named Midlands Player of the Year by the Football Writers’ Association.
Nuno, meanwhile, has won the FWA’s Midlands Manager of the Year gong.
“He’s been very good since the beginning,” said Nuno on how Jimenez has settled at Wolves.
“He adapted well and was well received by the squad.
“His performances and work, and the goals he has scored have been very important for us.
“We’re delighted that he’s going to be with us for the future.”
And summing up the man who Wolves spent big to tie down until 2023, Nuno added: “He is humble.
“Raul is a really ambitious player that wants to succeed and improve – get better.”
