West Ham United manager Nuno Espírito Santo could barely hide his delight when discussing the club’s latest signing, Adama Traoré.
The pair worked together previously at Wolverhampton Wanderers, during a spell many believe represented the very best football of Traoré’s career. With that in mind, it would be no surprise to see him used a a substitute on the right flank, potentially allowing Jarrod Bowen to drift into a more central role to cover an exhausted Pablo after one of his typically tireless shifts in a hybrid centre-forward role.
Whatever the tactical solution, one thing is clear: Espírito Santo is delighted to be reunited with one of his favourite players.
Speaking about the winger, Nuno said:
“I’ve worked with him for many years, and I know him well. He’s unique — there aren’t many players with his ability one-on-one, or with his pace. I think he’s going to give us many things that we need. He possesses great threat, and he has great energy, not only on the pitch, but in the dressing room and at the training ground too. He’s a special person to have around. It’s not up to me to judge what’s happened to him before; I’m just happy to have him here.”
Where Does Traoré Fit?
Predominantly a right winger, it is not immediately obvious where Traoré fits into West Ham’s starting XI, given that the club’s captain and standout performer Bowen operates in the same position. But Jarrod is a far more versatile operator than the musclebound Traore and the team could well benefit from the captain finishing games in a central position.
Much is made of Traore’s pace and power but he’s a decent crosser of the ball too which could benefit both Taty and Pablo. Either way, his signing strengthens the bench because unlike Luis Guilherme, Nuno is likely to use him and that’s an immediate improvement.
I think Nuno may start with him on the right and play Bowen as number 10, though I hope he doesn’t change a winning team and lines up as he has in the last two matches, hopefully Pablo and Taty will be even better now they have had a few games together.
Nuno’s praise unfortunately highlights every issue with Traore.
He says he has pace and runs at people one on one. Yes. He does. But notice that Nuno, while talking about his love for the guy and what he brings, cannot add anything about being, y’know, a goal threat. Or creating stuff for the team.
In PL, Championship, EFL Cup and FA Cup matches he has played 341 games. He has 22 goals and 44 assists. Even if you’re generous and say each goal and assist are 1 each in different games to spread it out, that’s 275 games where he’s done nothing.
He has virtually zero end product. The “positive” stats are always “Look how many dribbles he attempts a game!” and (years back) the fact it was miles above Eden Hazard was supposed to be “What a player!” point. All it done/does is highlight how he basically just runs and does next to nothing with it.
I know you get lies, damn lies and statistics so they can’t always create a clear picture but in Traore’s case, they really do. If he turns out to be Lingard MkII I’ll eat my hat, but sure my head’ll remain warm.
The big but though Mac is that Traore will not be on his own when playing for us. Whilst he is creating mayhem in the opposition half, his team mates will be there to pick up the pieces and drive the play on further forward time after time.
Hopefully only one end result. Every game. COYI
I would have liked to see him at West Ham as a back up to Antonio in his pomp. I’m sure Moyes would have converted him to a good striker as he did with Arnautovic, Antonio and to an extent Bowen.
Sorry, but ( and it’s only my opinion) Traore is not a positive signing, yes he can run , but not for very long, he is of course another injury prone player, this move is great for him as he wasn’t on too many teams wish list was he . Unfortunately he ticks Nuno’s box, ( older ,not fully fit) we shall see how positive this turns out.
Bowen is skillful, shoots and crosses with both feet (he said he wanted to achieve that), reads the game and is head up, ready to make assists. What a player. Like Rice he keeps improving – but I’m off track.
Traore is a handful and manager knows his strengths and sure the player will appreciate this and do his best. Wish he was as skillful as Bowen and less one-footed, he’d be even more effective. Will be exciting nevertheless to see and perhaps working with NES he’ll hit another purple patch as article mentions. Here’s hoping.