Marco Silva’s handling of Rodrigo Muniz and Raul Jimenez is genius

Notwithstanding their recent cup heroics, Raúl Jiménez and Rodrigo Muniz have consistently performed at a level befitting top Premier League strikers. In fact, their contributions have been so pivotal to Fulham’s undeniable success that it’s time to ask: Are we witnessing the best striking duo in the club’s modern history?

The stats certainly make a strong case. Raúl boasts 15 goals in 33 starts, while Muniz has netted 12 in 22. That’s the magic one-in-two goal ratio for them combined—every striker’s dream. Marco Silva has worked wonders, blending two forwards who technically occupy the same role but bring slightly different attributes to the pitch. Raúl’s footballing intelligence coupled with expert technical ability make him perfect for the system. Although Muniz does also possess those qualities, his raw athleticism can make up for what appears to be deficiencies but still create chances from seemingly impossible situations.

Together they score every type of goal and they’re also already etching themselves into Fulham folklore with iconic moments like Muniz’s dramatic and emotional winner at Stamford Bridge or Jiménez’s audacious back-heel assist against Manchester City. (Every Fulham fan has those bookmarked on YouTube, right?)

What sets them apart is their versatility in the modern game. Raúl is just as likely to win the ball in deep positions as he is to break beyond the last defender. He often orchestrates attacks from the left channel, pulling defenders out of position to create space for Robinson’s overlapping runs, which, in turn, grants Wilson the freedom break inside and attack the box. Meanwhile, Muniz is something of an escapologist, effortlessly spinning away from even the most bullish defenders to deliver perfectly weighted passes at the very moment it seems he’s been trapped. And honestly, this is just a glimpse of what they’re capable of.

I repeat myself but Marco Silva deserves a lot of credit for this too (how many times have we said that?). He’s taken two strikers with overlapping skillsets and made them equally dangerous. There’s no Batman and Robin here – it’s two Dark Knights doing their thing and keeping Craven Cottage safe.

This is not a greatest striker debate, nor does it downplay their teammates contributions or predecessors. it’s a celebration of the riches Fulham currently has up-top. For context, let’s look back. Louis Saha had Steve Marlet; Alexander Mitrovic had Aboubakar Kamara and Ivan Cavaleiro; Bobby Zamora had David Elm – hardly legendary groupings. But Jiménez and Muniz? They’re in a different league. You can bet other clubs are casting envious glances toward the banks of the Thames.