Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo has said that Adama Traore is a “super athlete”, but added that the full-back has to be “faster with the ball”.
The 23-year-old, who moved to Molineux from Middlesbrough last summer and split opinion after scoring one goal in 36 appearances in all competitions last term.
Speaking to the Express & Star about the Spanish Under-21 international’s first season with the club, Nuno said that there is plenty of room for improvement in Traore’s game.
“He has to be faster. Faster with the ball,” the manager said. “It’s a lot of work, but I think we are doing well. Not all the players who come have to have immediate success, immediately reach their highest point.”
“Definitely,” Nuno added when asked if he rates Traore highly. “He’s a fantastic athlete. He’s a super athlete and a fantastic football player.
“Like all of us, he has learned. The idea we have is to always improve the player. If we are improving the player, we’re improving the team.”
OPINION
Traore looked destined for a move away from Middlesbrough following their season in the Premier League, when the full-back stood out in the Boro team despite being relegated. But in his first season with Wolves, he has largely failed to live up to expectations with just eight Premier League starts. His pace is his biggest asset and he is a real danger when he runs at defenders, but his final product – whether a pass or a shot – has been very poor. The modern winger – especially in the Wolves team – needs everything in his locker, but three assists from 36 appearances suggests he is struggling. But as Nuno says, there is still plenty of time for him to improve and the manager’s quotes suggest that he believes Traore has it in him to progress next season. That will be a key target for both player and manager, with Traore looking to nail down a starting spot.