In Wolverhampton Wanderers’ game against West Ham United last weekend, Adama Traore was at the right place at the right time and he tucked in the perfectly-laid pass to score the 93rd-minute winner. The stoppage time goal not only guaranteed Wolves’ first win of the ongoing season but also ensured West Ham’s losing streak continues.
Adama Traore joined Wolves for a fee of £18m from Championship club Middlesbrough in the summer. He was one of the standout performers in the second tier of English football last season, with 5 goals and 10 assists to his name.
The 22-year-old has hit the ground running in the Premier League this term and has shown that he is capable causing immediate impact. Although he is yet to start a game and has played a total of 91 minutes over three substitute appearances, he already has amazing stats.
According to stats, Traore is currently the best dribbler in the Premier League and has made 12 successful dribbles so far. Only Eden Hazard (14) has more dribbles to his name but the Belgian has enjoyed more game time when compared to Traore. To put it in simpler words, his successful dribbles have come at the rate of one in every 7.6 minutes.
Traore’s style of play is defined by his acceleration, agility and pace. Often operating on the right flank, the winger has the ability to absolutely rip apart the opposition’s defence with his mesmerizing dribbles.
In his earlier years at Barcelona, Traore was only about raw pace and acceleration. But now, he has matured a great deal and has added some useful ammunition in his repertoire, making him a force to reckon with.
The player often utilizes his strength to shield the ball against opposition full-backs. Even when he receives the ball in the centre of the park, he holds onto the ball and picks out the runs of his teammates with through balls.
Traore’s decision-making has improved a lot as well. Not only does he take on defenders effortlessly and bamboozle them with his instant acceleration, he also has the presence of mind to pick out the right pass. In fact, his final passes have not let him down in the recent past.
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Wolves have a plethora of attackers in their ranks with Diogo Jota, Helder Costa, Raul Jimenez and Joao Moutinho. Hence, the young Adama Traore must wait patiently for his chances. Nuno Espirito Santo often provides chances to young players and the 22-year-old could flourish under his stewardship.
All in all, Traore has all the makings of becoming a surprise package in the Premier League this season.