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Scouting Liverpool’s Mexican Target – Everything You Need To Know

raul-jimenez

Liverpool have been one of the finest teams in an attacking sense this season. No one can come close to their consistency in front of goal. More than goals scored, it is the way in which their attack takes place that is a reason to applaud the Liverpool players in the attacking side of things. That they have been doing so without a primary or out-and-out striker, sheds plenty of light on the quality of the players they have at their disposal.

Roberto Firmino had been the undisputed starter in the initial stages of the campaign, in the absence of sidelined striker Daniel Sturridge. Firmino did quite well, but following an injury to Coutinho, the door opened up for Belgian Divock Origi to come in and take his chance. And he did just that, as he impressed one and all with his goal scoring contributions.

Despite having Origi and Sturridge, the absence of Mane due to the AFCON 2017, will be a major blow to Liverpool’s title charge. Mane has been instrumental so far, as his goals have all been important.  No one else in the Premier League has won their team more points with their goals than the Senegalese front-man.

His absence might convince Jurgen Klopp to dip his fingers in the transfer market for re-enforcements that would help Liverpool for the rest of the season. Given Klopp does not fancy target-men or out and out strikers, there will only be a few players that could fit the German maestro’s requirements. One such player who has come under the scanner of the Liverpool boss is Raul Jimenez.

The Mexican first moved to European football when he joined Atletico Madrid following their title-winning season. Much was expected of Jimenez, but he failed to oust the likes of Mario Mandzukic, Antoine Griezmann and Fernando Torres from the starting line-up. He ended his solitary season with Atletico with just 1 goal to his name.

Raul Jimenez

Simeone clearly didn’t see enough in him and he was let go to Benfica, where he has slightly made amends since that failed season in Spanish football. In Portugal, he has felt slightly more at home and has put in some performances that are worthy of gathering attention. Although his goal-scoring return is not the best, it is the shift that he puts in that is more impressive than anything else.

Klopp is certainly a fan of such players. Despite being 6’3, Jimenez is quite speedy and this gives him the versatile feature of being able to play on the left- side of an attacking three. Origi has been playing there for Liverpool and Jimenez could provide some much-needed competition and add a different dimension to Liverpool’s attacking side of things.

Since Benteke left the club in the summer, Liverpool have been void of an attacking player with exceptional aerial ability. Jimenez is one that could certainly change that, as he is quite a presence and usually puts pressure on the opposition defense, putting his strength and pace to good use by getting into good positions in the attacking third of the pitch.

Jimenez has been a regular in the Mexican national team and that experience would certainly help in the Premier League. Javier Hernandez, another Mexican striker got accolades for his time with Manchester United and Jimenez could look to emulate his compatriot. This season, Jimenez has 8 goals to his name in all competitions and although that is not a promising return, there’s more to his game than just goal scoring. He is very good at bringing in midfielders into the game with his hold-up play and this could prove vital for the Liverpool midfielders who have been excellent this season.

He would certainly be an excellent addition to the Liverpool squad. January is a very tough market to deal in and there are very few players that are made available for transfer. Under such circumstances, Klopp should look to bring in Jimenez as he would be a cheaper alternative to some of the other names that have been doing the circles around Anfield.