Adama Traore: All you need to know about Wolves' new signing

Here we'll give you a full run-down of the former Boro and Villa man, just in case you aren't quite aware of what he's capable of.

Factfile

Full name: Adama Traoré Diarra

Age: 22

DOB: 25/01/1996

Nationality: Spain

Position: Winger

Height: 1.78m

Previous clubs: Middlesbrough, Aston Villa, Barcelona, Barcelona B

Career stats*

Middlesbrough (all competitions)

2017/18 - 40 (8) appearances five goals

2016/17 - 31 (17) appearances no goals

Aston Villa (all competitions)

2016/17 - 1 (1) appearance no goals

2015/16 - 11 (10) appearances one goal

Barcelona/Barcelona B (all competitions)

2014/15 - 39 (9) appearances four goals

2013/14 - 27 (13) appearances five goals

What kind of player is Adama Traore?

One of the most explosive players in the Championship and arguably in all English football, Boro and Villa fans are more than aware of Adama's physical talents on a football pitch.

Known for his ability to fly past his opposition number with pace and power, when Traore is in full flow he's one of the quickest wingers in world football.

What's more, he's a very, very keen dribbler too.

Last season the Spaniard completed a whopping 243 successful dribbles from 303 attempts, more than 100 more than any other player (not including the play-offs). To put it into context, Diogo Jota managed 105 completed dribbles last season, Barcelona's Lionel Messi on the other hand? 185.

He joined fellow Midlanders Villa under Tim Sherwood in 2015 to much fanfare, with the winger paraded in front of fans and lauded as a tremendous capture from Spanish giants Barcelona.

He made an instant impact at the club too, with his cross in his debut turned in against Crystal Palace. He went on to score his only goal for the club against Notts County in the League Cup a matter of days later.

Moving on to Boro following Villa's relegation, he featured regularly in their relegation season too but truly flourished in the last campaign, notching five goals and 10 assists as they made it to the play-off semi-finals.

However, whilst his physical attributes are clear to see, both Villa and Boro fans are also acutely aware of his struggles with other parts of his game, with many questioning his 'footballing brain' and end-product. Not to mention his previous unwillingness to track back effectively.

Whilst his end-product and fondness of helping his full back has undoubtedly improved under Tony Pulis' tutelage at Boro, his decision-making still raises questions among many.

For every highlight of Adama flying by his man and showing off his physical quality, fans will recall a missed opportunity or bad decision. He can be both outstanding and infuriating for fans to watch.

However, under Nuno - and after a season of clear technical development, he could be ready to finally shake off that reputation.

Will he suit Wolves' style of play?

Considering Nuno's expansive, pacey and attacking style of football last season, Adama seems like an almost perfect fit.

There are few players capable of doing what Adama can do with a ball at his feet, and if Nuno can get him doing just that while also addressing the rougher patches in his game then he could be a hit.

His confidence on the ball will no doubt get fans behind him, and should he continue to create and score, as he has done recently with Boro he'll be a real handful for any opposition defender.

The question really lies in whether he's ready to step up into the top flight of English football? (Something he's so far failed to do effectively in two attempts).

Wolves have shown a lot of faith in the Spaniard by splashing such a large amount of cash on him. If he repays that faith he'll be seeing his value sky-rocket and his goal and assist tally thrive.

What is Adama Traore capable of?

Now a known quantity in English football, Adama has fast become one of the brightest prospects on British shores.

Take a look at the video below to get a glimpse of what he's capable of.

Adama Traore in quotes:

On Barcelona and Lionel Messi:

"Barcelona is a club where I grew up as a person and as a footballer. I will always be grateful."

"I have learnt a lot of values there - from the football perspective but as well as a personal point of view.

"What I have learnt from my time at Barcelona is the invisible work that goes on off the pitch. It's about the fine details.

"It's about working hard, resting when you need to, leading a healthy life, having a support structure around you. These factors help you improve.

"The maximum example in terms of his path at the club is Lionel Messi. That is where you can clearly see how to be a great player.

"Talent is not enough - it's about using it in the right way. He is the reference to how to become a real professional footballer.

"He works so hard at his game. He is humble - a very normal guy. That is something to admire and look up to."

On his style of play:

"I think people would say I am explosive and I am fast."

"Sometimes the forwards get the merit from the fans but the work of everybody is vital - every single member of our team."

Tim Sherwood on Adama Traore:

"He could go and play for Manchester City tomorrow."

“Not Manchester United as he’s not necessarily a Jose Mourinho player, but he could be a Pep Guardiola player and play free and loose.

“He could probably set the world alight. He has got those qualities. He is eye-catching and he gets people on the edge of their seats.

“The biggest compliment I can pay him, if it is a compliment, is that the players didn’t want to play with him, but nobody wanted to play against him either.

“He wants the ball to himself but he dribbles in the wrong areas at times.

“He’s got to learn because he was turning the ball over where it was easier to pass it.

“You never knew what you were going to get from him. He was full of power and pace but lacked end product."

Remi Garde on Traore:

"He is very gifted, I know that. He has some brilliant skill and is tremendous on dribbling but it’s a small part of the game."

Aitor Karanka on Traore:

"He needs to always be living the game."

“He’s learning a lot, especially without the ball, but with the ball he’s improving.

“In the first few games, he took the ball and it was just for him, but now he’s linking more with the players and is more involved.

“He has to keep going as he can be a great player."

Tony Pulis on Traore:

"Traore is the quickest player I’ve ever seen off the mark. When he uses the ball well he’s unstoppable."

"Every time he gets in motion people are bringing him down. Referees have to protect the boy.

“He’s a special talent and he’s got to be protected. Teams aren’t letting him get in motion.

“If they’re prepared to do that then they have to be punished."