OPINION
When Wolves signed Adama Traore from Middlesbrough in the summer, the fans were no doubt excited by the prospect of what he could offer.
Famed for his agility, and most of all his speed, the attributes that the 23-year-old could bring to Molineux were no doubt mouthwatering.
Most of his appearances – 25 in total – this season have come from the bench, but even then he was unable to make the impact on the wing that the supporters were hoping for.
However, he has now revealed Nuno Espirito Santo’s plans to mould him into a striker after his indifferent start to life at Wolves, and fans will no doubt be hoping that this is not something that could backfire on their manager.
“I am quite self-critical, I try to keep focused on what I need to do better, and in the final third of the pitch I know I can do miles better. Nuno wants me to improve so I can play as a striker and I think I can do it,” he said, as quoted by the Guardian.
Traore’s ineffectiveness as a winger will certainly be forgotten if he can make a go of it in what could be his new role, in fact, Nuno’s new tactical plan for him could establish him into a world-beater – especially if he utilises his speed effectively.
It may be baffling to some why Nuno would want him to make such a transition, but if he cannot succeed as a winger, perhaps he can make a mark by playing up front, where he is likely to score goals and make more of a positive contribution.
He only come on in the second minute of stoppage time in the 1-0 win over Bristol City in the FA Cup on Sunday, so we may have to wait a little longer to see Nuno’s plan in action.
If it does pay off, then Nuno will have to give himself a pat on the back for such a brilliant tactical masterplan.