GiveMeSport
·14 October 2021
GiveMeSport
·14 October 2021
Journalist Luke Hatfield believes Wolves boss Bruno Lage could bring Adama Traore back into the starting XI for this weekend's Premier League clash with Aston Villa.
Traore has been forced to make do with a spot on the bench for Wolves' last two games but the Express and Star journalist believes he could return for the Midlands derby.
It's been a somewhat contradicting start to the new season for Traore, especially after the Molineux club reportedly rejected Tottenham's £30m offer for him during the summer transfer window.
On the one hand, no player in the Premier League has come close to matching his 49 successful dribbles this term, with second-placed Allan Saint-Maximin managing just 33.
On the other, the Spain international is yet to record any goal involvements. His final third delivery has been particularly disappointing and manager Lage has even seen fit to bench Traore for Wolves' last two Premier League games.
The Midlands outfit won both of those, versus Newcastle and Southampton, with Traore only featuring as a late substitute.
Nonetheless, Hatfield believes Lage could reinstate the speedy winger to his starting XI this weekend.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Hatfield claimed he wouldn't be surprised to see Traore start on Saturday to face his former club.
Traore was first brought to English football by Aston Villa in summer 2015, but just a year later he was sold to Middlesbrough.
Hatfield believes Traore could start at his old stomping ground when the Premier League returns this weekend. He told GMS: "It wouldn't surprise me at all to see Adama Traore starting.
"Of course, Villa know what he's all about. They've seen him first hand although a lot of the coaching staff and players won't have been there when he was there."
Enter Giveaway
Traore has predominantly played as a right winger throughout his club career, according to Transfermarkt.
However, the 25-year-old has featured in numerous other roles, including on the opposite flank, as a wing-back and as a centre-forward.
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Traore's natural pace and power, in addition to his ability to glide past defenders at will, should make him a strong candidate for pretty much any attacking role.
However, his output remains an ongoing problem. Throughout his entire Premier League career, Traore has only ever provided seven goals and 16 assists in 147 games.