Raul Jimenez WolvesGetty

Mexicans Abroad: Jimenez scores in PL debut, Lozano picks up where he left off

Some of Europe's top leagues returned to play over the weekend, and there were plenty of Mexican players involved in the action.

Raul Jimenez had a fantastic Premier League debut, scoring a goal in the 80th minute of Wolves' 2-2 draw with Everton. While that was the icing on the cake of a strong day, Jimenez has to be thrilled to have been thrown right into the starting lineup after spending most of his career with previous club Benfica as a super sub. 

The more famous Mexican central forward playing in England, Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez hardly had as good of a weekend. He began the match on the bench, continuing a theme that started last season, but did come on as a substitute for West Ham United. The Hammers, however, lost 4-0 to Liverpool in their first match under Manuel Pellegrini.

In the Netherlands, things started well for Hirving Lozano. After scoring 17 goals in his first Eredivisie season, Lozano found the back of the net in a 4-0 victory over Utrecht. The goal takes him past center back Hector Moreno, who played with AZ and PSV in his career, as the top Mexican goalscorer all-time in the Dutch league.

Not that the Netherlands always has been a happy place for Mexican players. Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa went to Amsterdam and came back with a 3-0 defeat that eliminated his Standard Liege side from the Champions League. He also has an uncertain future. While his contract with the Belgian club runs through the rest of this season, he appeared set for a move abroad. However, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis said Wednesday that Ochoa's lack of an EU passport will prevent the Serie A side from making a move.

While Ochoa may not be on the move, Marco Fabian could need to find a new home. Fabian is one of several players who new Frankfurt coach Adi Hutter has informed are unlikely to figure in his plans. Fabian started but was substituted from Frankfurt's 5-0 defeat to Bayern in the German Super Cup. Mexican center back Carlos Salcedo also suited up for The Eagles in the lopsided defeat.

Oswaldo Alanis also is on the hunt for a new club. While he's yet to play a single minute for Getafe, the La Liga side has decided he's surplus at center back. The former Chivas defender would like to stay in Europe and is exploring his options.

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