Tim Spiers has been speaking on the latest edition of The Athletic’s The Molineux View about all things Wolverhampton Wanderers.
One of the topics that he talked about was Adama Traore, who has been in and out of the Wolves starting XI this season.
The 24-year-old is currently in discussions over a new contract, although initial talks have not gone well, and this led Spiers to predict that Traore will start Wolves’ next game but that if he doesn’t, then it could be something to do with the contract talks.
He said: “This contract situation does muddy the water.
“I would predict – putting the contract situation completely to one side – that Traore will start Wolves’ next game.
“[Daniel] Podence was really poor at Leicester and Traore came on and made a difference. A logical course of events would say that he would then come in against Southampton.
“If he doesn’t, then perhaps there is more to it behind the scenes.”
Do you think Traore will start against Southampton?
Yes, he will get his chance
No, he won't until this contract situation is resolved
TIF Thoughts on Traore and Spiers’ view on him…
In the Premier League, the 24-year-old has started just three of Wolves’ eight games so far, and he has turned in an average rating of 6.72/10 (via WhoScored), which ranks him in joint-ninth place in Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad.
He has also failed to score or provide an assist in either of these games.
So, if you look at his form from this season, then based on his performances, you can understand why he has been used as a substitute so much.
However, if you consider his displays last season in the Premier League, where he scored four goals, provided nine assists, and earned an average rating of 7.49, leaving him out does look odd.
If Traore is being used as a substitute because of the contract discussions, then we feel that is unfair, if it is because of football reasons and his form this season, that is fair in our view.
So, in our view, it will be intriguing to see if Traore starts against Southampton or not.