Former Wolverhampton Wanderers’ forward Steve Bull has raved about Helder Costa and claimed he will continue to keep marquee summer signing Adama Traore on the sidelines.
Bull has drooled over Costa’s outings so far in the Premier League, labelling his performances as “outstanding”, whilst also remarking on the excellence of goalkeeper Rui Patricio.
However, he has focused largely on Traore, who is yet to make his first start for the Midlands club having made numerous substitute appearances.
Bull commented on how much of an impact that the speedster can make when he does come off the bench, and added how the Spaniard will have to accept the fact that he is a fringe player at the moment and not complain at not being able to start matches.
“I think Patricio has been absolutely superb for us so far, he has made some spectacular saves,” Bull told the Express and Star.
“It remains to be seen whether Nuno chooses to start Adama Traore tomorrow. I think Helder Costa has been absolutely outstanding down that right flank and he looks back to his best from last season. It is hard to get him out the side.
“But Traore understands he will be a ‘bit part player’ to start with. He came off the bench against West Ham and played his part well by scoring. He is really effective coming off the bench and hopefully he can accept that for now and not complain that he wants to play.
“There is nothing wrong with being on the sidelines and it will be harsh to throw him in straight away. Traore knows what he is capable of and he has got to be ready to absolutely step up to the mark.”
OPINION
Traore will undoubtedly be gutted that he has not started in the Premier League as yet, but boss Nuno Espirito Santo clearly has his reasons if 5ft 9in [Transfermarkt] Costa has been having a good run. Now the star is maintaining his good form, it will be hard to usurp him from the first team. Traore will get his turn eventually, and as Bull points out, he will have to accept for the time being that he will only be a fringe player who will come off the bench to make an impact. However, this is how some players operate best. Some are incredibly effective starting a match, whilst some know that they are better off influencing the game later on as a substitute. There is nothing wrong with coming off the bench – as long as Traore proves that he can continue to make an impact, then he should have no problems.