Several reports following an impressive performance against Tottenham at Molineux have linked Adama Traore with a move to the North London club.
The Evening Standard, The Guardian and Football.London have all claimed a move is in the offing, however, I feel Adama is the last player Spurs’ squad needs at this moment in time.
On the face of it, it makes relative sense, compared to last season, Gareth Bale has not been replaced on the right-hand side and another option in attacking areas would be welcome, as Spurs look to add depth with one week of the window to go.
Furthermore, Traore’s strengths are evident. He has an incredible ability to beat players off the dribble, he is direct, strong, incredibly fast – the ultimate winger.
This was showcased on Sunday, as he made Japhet Tanganga, who had essentially pocketed both Raheem Sterling and Jack Grealish just 7 days prior, look very average.
I’d argue however, he is not at all what Tottenham should be looking for and this was equally made evident on Sunday.
Last season, Spurs were heavily reliant on Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min for the majority of their goals and creative play. 41 of Tottenham’s 69 goals last season come from their two star attackers.
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Without them, Spurs would have had a far worse season than they actually did, which we can all agree was disappointing.
Bale himself, chipped in with goals and assists especially in Europe, but unlike many of Spurs’ Premier League rivals, goals aren’t shared around.
This is something that needs addressing and as it looks more and more likely that Nuno’s Spurs will operate with a 4-3-3, That third attacker needs to be someone who takes some of that burden away.
Unfortunately, Adama is just not that player. On Sunday, it was plain to see, that his end product is lacking. He got himself into excellent positions time and time again and his final ball or his finish let him down.
Over the two seasons before this one with Wolves, he managed 6 goals and 11 assists in the Premier League, the majority of which came in 2019-20.
This concern is one that has been levelled at Lucas Moura in the past and it is something he has clearly worked on and improved. He has stepped up in chance creation this campaign in a big way.
Bringing in Traore would be adding a slightly faster and more powerful, yet less effective Lucas Moura. With fees being suggested in excess of £30 million, I don’t think that’s good business, no matter how much Nuno likes him.
The person that comes in must be someone who can add goals and assists to complement Kane and Son.
One person in a similar mould to Adama would be Allan Saint-Maximin. The Newcastle wide man has a similar direct nature but has proven to have much greater end product at Newcastle.
He hit seven goal involvements in each of the last two seasons in far fewer games than Traore due to injury in a struggling Newcastle side.
Saint-Maximin has 5 years left on his deal, so he may be more costly and not a viable option, however, we shouldn’t settle for another squad member that won’t contribute.
I am sure Fabio Paratici, in his infinite wisdom, can find an exciting winger that will chip in far more and help build on an excellent start under Nuno, but Adama Traore shouldn’t be that man.
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