Former Wolverhampton Wanderers player Dave Edwards has recently aired some criticism of Spanish winger Adama Traore.
This comes after Edwards recently made an appearance on The Athletic’s The Molineux View Podcast to reflect on Wolves’ 1-0 win over Aston Villa at the weekend.
When asked how he thought the winger fared in the victory after coming on as a substitute in the second half, Edwards shared his views on Traore’s cameo and how he played as a centre-forward rather than a winger.
He said: “I didn’t think he was effective. He did look a little bit lost at times, but then he played such a big part in the goal. It was him because he occupies players and when you’ve got someone like [Adama] Traore, he must be a midfielder’s dream.
“Obviously, that’s where the goal comes from. Kortney Hause and Tyrone Mings both got attracted to Traore because they knew he could hurt them and by the time he’s laid the ball off, then [Leander] Dendoncker is free with Jonny against the left-back and that’s what he does he moves defences around but he’s definitely more influential when he gets on that right flank.
“I don’t think he looks as strong through the middle and like you said, if [Raul] Jimenez does get injured or does miss a game, I’m not sure Traore is the one who will go and play in number nine and that’s the one area Wolves might think to try and play someone else. There’s no obvious player to go and do that role.”
Were you impressed with Traore's appearance against Villa?
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Despite only coming on as a substitute in the second half, Traore’s performance against Villa earned him a match rating of 7.03/10 (per WhoScored).
The 24-year-old has been Wolves’ best player this season with his performances in his 31 Premier League earning him a season rating of 7.58/10.
TIF Thoughts…
Even if Edwards thinks Traore, who is valued at £22.95 million (as per Transfermarkt), isn’t as effective for Wolves as a centre-forward, he still put in a decent performance against Villa when called upon, much like he has done throughout the season.