The Top Flight’s ‘Outside the Top Six’ Premier League Team of the Year

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 24: Raul Jimenez of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Diogo Jota of Wolverhampton Wanderers plays the ball over the line during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal FC at Molineux on April 24, 2019 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 24: Raul Jimenez of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Diogo Jota of Wolverhampton Wanderers plays the ball over the line during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal FC at Molineux on April 24, 2019 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images) /
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Rounding out the XI here is Raul Jimenez. The Mexican forward plays his role perfectly for Wolves. As one of two strikers with Jota now, Jimenez is crucial for Wolves when they transition from defense to attack.

With his strong hold-up play, Jimenez often keeps the ball for his side until more men join the attack, or more often, he simply releases Jota in behind. His twelve goals set the pace for a side firmly in the race for “Best of the Rest,” while his seven assists trail only Moutinho’s.

Even more importantly, though, he is Wolves’ first line of defense. When his touch isn’t there, Jimenez is still able to help his side just by the amount of effort he puts in hassling opposing defenses.

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Callum Wilson or Jamie Vardy could have easily been in here as well, but Jimenez gets the nod thanks to his consistent play and ability to turn up in big games.