The 23-year old has been one of the most impressive players in the Premier League this year thanks to his lightning-quick speed and presence on the ball…
Just six years ago, Adama Traore was a frustrated 17-year old footballer with the Barcelona reserves, struggling to fight his way into the first-team. He spent his entire youth career with the Catalan club, but in 2015, Traore decided to leave for England in search of more opportunities at the first-team level. This decision has paid off given where the Spaniard is at the young age of 23. Traore is now one of the most instrumental players for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side in England’s top flight
Traore spent a year with Aston Villa from 2015-16, then two years at Middlesborough the next following two seasons before making the move to Wolverhampton at the end of the 2018 campaign. Through 72 appearances between 2015 and 18′ with Villa and Middlesborough, the winger scored just five times. But there was promise in the way he carried himself on the pitch; especially in the final third.
More from Premier League
- Manchester City suffer but come away with win over West Ham
- Premier League match preview: Aston Villa v Crystal Palace
- Jadon Sancho refutes Erik Ten Hag’s comments
- Arsenal win in added time drama as United suffer last-minute agony
- Rudderless Chelsea lose to Nottingham Forest
This term, Traore has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in the Premier League, terrorizing opponents with his speed, strength, and technical abilities on the flanks. In 24 appearances across all competitions, Traore has bagged five goals and set up another four tallies, while featuring in the starting XI 18 times. He scored just once last year in his debut season with Wolves in 29 appearances. In 2017/18 with Middlesborough, he scored just five goals in 36 appearances, while assisting another ten goals.
To put the numbers into perspective, Traore has already matched his career-best in goals for a season with another 18 Premier League fixtures ahead for 2020. His dangerous right foot has created numerous moments of brilliance this term, with three of his five goals coming from outside the 18-yard box.
A huge part of Wolves success
The former Barcelona youth product has been a vital part of Wolves success this year as they currently sit seventh in the Premier League. He’s helped the club complete the double over Manchester City this year, beating them 2-0 in October then 3-2 last week after overcoming a two-goal deficit. On October 6th, he bagged both goals for Wolverhampton.
Then in last Friday’s match, Traore was the heartbeat of their attack, scoring one goal and assisting another. He netted an absolute screamer, smashing a low hit from outside the 18-yard box into the bottom left corner. His assist was also a perfect example of his work ethic on the pitch, outmuscling Benjamin Mendy near the touchline then swinging in a low cross to Raul Jimenez for an easy finish to tie the game 2-2. It’s safe to say that Traore has single-handily terrorized Pep Guardiola’s side this season.
Despite being built like a linebacker with a chiseled upper body and tree trunks for legs, Traore is extremely athletic in many ways. His speed is the most notable trait when he’s on the football pitch, soaring past defenders with ease. Along with his world-class dribbling skills and ability to change directions in the blink of an eye, Traore has been a handful for Premier League defenders this season. There are many dangerous attackers in the world, but few have the combination of physical presence, speed, and skill like Traore.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp had much praise for Traore prior to their 1-0 win over Wolverhampton on Sunday, per Sky Sports:
"“A big, big talent. You would never have thought he is that young, but he is still very young, and now he has found it (the right manager). It was always clear it would happen one day, and now it has. Good for Wolves!-Klopp on Traore"
The youngster did not disappoint against the Premier League leaders, making numerous dangerous runs down the flanks, making the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk bring their best in order to stop him in the final third.
Bright future ahead
He may not be one of the Premier League’s top scorers, but Traore is without a doubt one of the most promising youngsters in England. The scary part is that he’s just going to continue to get better. His best days of football are still ahead and that could mean that some of Europe’s top clubs could come calling in the future if Traore continues to run riot on oppositions.
Between his relentless style of play and all the necessary skills to be a world-class footballer, the future looks extremely bright for Adama Traore. He’s lighting it up at just 23-years old in arguably the best league in the world, so anything is possible at this point for the Wolverhampton starlet.
His first call-up to the Spanish national team last month should be an indication that the best is yet to come for the Wolves winger. Remember the name, because it could be one of the biggest in the world one day.