Wolverhampton Wanderers have been quietly putting together a Champions League assault on both fronts this season as they sit sixth in the Premier League, two points behind Manchester United. If Manchester City’s European ban is upheld pending its appeal in the Court of Arbitration for Sport, their current league place will become a qualifying position for UEFA’s prestigious tournament. Meanwhile, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are also through to the last 16 of the Europa League and could qualify by winning the competition.
On both fronts, Adama Traore has put in an incredible effort, and he revealed how two of his rivals share a similar playing style and how he prepares for games in the dressing room.
What did he say?
When asked who in the Premier League shared a similar style of play, Traore said: “[Wilfried] Zaha and [Raheem] Sterling maybe, but I am not like them, more like they are like me.”
Speaking of how he prepares before matches, the Spaniard said: “I prepare my mind thinking about my training. I also listen to some music and read the Quran. I watch people who have success.”
Few bear comparison
Only Kevin De Bruyne has a higher average match rating in the Premier League this season, 7.92, than Traore’s 7.61, as per WhoScored. The flying winger has been devastating for Wolves, finally adding the end product to his game which had previously been missing. He has been involved in 11 more goals this term than his debut campaign with Wolves, scoring six and assisting seven across the Premier League and Europa League. There has been a noticeable improvement in his crossing and finishing abilities which have led to the increased output in goals and assists.
Furthermore, he has become the most consistently threatening dribbler in the division, recording an average of 5.2 per match, more than Zaha, 4.7, and Sterling 1.8. Traore is right to say they are more like him certainly with regard to their ability to beat an opponent as the 24-year-old leads the way in the Premier League.
Traore, valued at £28.8m (Transfermarkt), has emerged as one of the brightest talents in the top-flight and while the Crystal Palace and Manchester City wingers are similar, few can match the Wolves man’s unique playing style.
