There is no denying that Adama Traore has been one of the most improved Premier League players this season. Adepoju Marvellous takes a look at how the Spaniard has turned the tide and now enjoys life at the Molineux.
One goal and three assists in 66 Premier League games leading up to this season represents how unproductive Traore was in his first three seasons in English football’s top tier.
Sandwiched in between those seasons was a relatively more fruitful spell in the Championship which earned him a then club-record £18m move to Wolves.
His first season was a case of same old story as his past struggles at Aston Villa and Middlesbrough continued. His talent and willingness to put in the effort were unquestionable but his productivity in the final third was still a constant let-down.
He featured majorly as a right-winger in Wolves’ 3-4-3 formation which brought them so much success in the 2017/18 campaign but was unable to nail down a starting berth as he struggled for both form and fitness.
Given his previous record, a lot of Wolves supporters would have predicted Adama’s struggles in his debut season and their fears were beginning to manifest. Some others would have hoped that it was just a season to find his feet and fortunately for them, it has turned out that way.
With Helder Costa’s move to Leeds in 2019, Traore was expected to be given more game time the following season. He began the season slotting in at right wing-back deputizing for the then-injured Matt Doherty.
His contributions were crucial in his side’s Europa League qualifying rounds where he supplied three assists in five games as they swept aside Crusaders, Pyunik and Torino to make the group stages.
He has since picked up from there as he now enjoys what is undoubtedly the best form of his life. He has combined all that lightning pace, sheer strength and dribbling prowess to deadly effect as he now forms part of an attacking trident has been ruthless all-season long.
The biggest testament to his new-found form was his performance in the 2-0 away win at Manchester City. After being played in on goal twice by Jimenez, Traore raced through on goal and no one was catching him.
With hearts in mouths, Wolves fans watched as Traore found himself in a position that had exposed his biggest flaw in the past. However, it was a different story this time as he slotted the ball beyond Ederson on both occasions to lead his side to a memorable victory.
With six goals and 10 assists in all competitions this season, it is obvious that Adama Traore is close to fulfilling the huge potential he has always displayed since his La Masia days.
Fans at Molineux will be eager to see Adama hit his peak and they might not have to wait too long.
