Express & Star

Nuno backing Adama Traore to shine for Wolves

Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo is focused on persisting with record buy Adama Traore as he ‘truly believes in his qualities’.

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The £18million summer signing from Middlesbrough has been in and out of the team this season, scoring once and yet to register an assist.

But Nuno believes the Spaniard’s ‘speed, unpredictability and quality’ will come to the fore – as long as he keeps working hard.

“He must improve. There are good things. He has given us good moments, but he has to be consistent through all the performances that he has,” said Nuno.

“This is something we are focused on, as we truly believe in his qualities.

“He’s focused. He’s working hard, and we are together helping him to achieve what we want. A lot of things, like all the players. He must improve.

“I know what he’s going to give me, total availability to do his task. He brings an element of speed, unpredictability, quality.

“At the same time, he must improve in all aspects of the game.

“But it’s all the forwards – Helder (Costa), (Ivan) Cavaleiro, (Diogo) Jota, Raul (Jimenez).

“The players that play in the last line of the pitch... it is the most difficult line to play. Talent is what we expect from them.”

Another forward Wolves have high hopes for is 18-year-old Austin Samuels.

He has committed his future to the club by signing a fresh two-and-a-half year deal.

Samuels has been with Wolves since the age of eight and said: “It feels good to commit my future to a club I’ve been at for 10 years.

“Hopefully, I’ll have a big future with the club.”

Wolves will be hosting the FA Cup fourth round draw at Molineux, after the Liverpool game on Monday, which will be conducted by former old gold favourites Carl Ikeme and Robbie Keane.

Wolves have also confirmed Benik Afobe’s permanent move to Stoke.