Once seen as a prodigious talent, Adama Traore has enjoyed a confusing career so far. His early career promise at FC Barcelona was quickly replaced by a season of bewildering confusion at Aston Villa. Seen as a speed merchant with horrible decision making, Traore has begun to blossom in 2019 and into 2020.
Working under one of the most intelligent coaches in the game in Nuno Espirito Santo, he’s developed very quickly indeed. Now, it would be hard to point out too many obvious weaknesses in his game!
What makes Adama Traore stand out?
His build and his physique are an obvious starting point, as is his pace. For us, though, it’s his ability to shoot from distance and to pick tight passes in very congested areas that makes him such a threat. Traore is improving all the time on his shot, pass, and dribble selection.
He’s beginning to become more used to laying off passes and dribbling smaller distances. In the past, his main issue was that he would try and dribble the length of the pitch. Now, he lets the ball do most of his running and uses his energy to force the ball forward. When he’s on the ball now, he’s far more decisive and intelligent in his play.
What does Adama Traore need to work on?
While he’s still having to work on the defensive side of his game, his main issue is discipline. If Traore can pick his position on the pitch better, he will be much more likely to stay accurate and onside. His passing and finishing, too, are not perfect; but for a wide player, that is to be expected.
For the most part, Traore needs more games and more time to develop. With that, he could unleash the frightening potential that he’s had all along.