Why did Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta say Mexico striker Raúl Jiménez had a “massive impact” on the Premier League?

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has lavished praise on Mexico international striker Raúl Jiménez in an interview with Rodrigo Lara of Paramount+ Mexico. The former Club Amércia attacker made a huge impact upon his arrival in the Premier League with Wolverhampton Wanderers, scoring in a number of matches against the league’s so-called ‘Big Six’.

However, his career was somewhat derailed by the fractured skull he suffered in an accidental collision with then Gunners defender David Luiz towards the end of 2020.

Raúl Jiménez on his way out of Wolves?

Although nothing has been officially confirmed, Jiménez appeared to bid farewell to the Wolves fans after Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Everton at Molineux, a game in which he was left on the bench by manager Julen Lopetegui. The Mexican received a round of applause from supporters after the final whistle.

Arteta: “Jiménez has left a huge mark”

Asked about Jiménez’s spell in England, Arteta recalled the issues leading Premier League defence had in dealing with the Tri forward’s style of play: “He had a massive impact on the league, the way he adapted, what he transmitted, the way he carried himself, the way he competed. I had also played against him. I think he has left a huge mark. I think you can be very proud of what he has done”.

Jiménez’s sad Premier League farewell

Jiménez, who came through the América youth academy, became a key figure for Wolves as they established themselves as one of the most difficult teams to play against in the Premier League, but everything changed after a serious head injury. The Tri striker has been unable to recapture the form he showed at the start of his time in Wolverhampton and will likely leave England to little fanfare and wondering what could have been had he not suffered such rotten luck.