ADAMA TRAORE

AGE: 22 CLUB: MIDDLESBROUGH POSITION: MIDFIELD VALUE: £8.5M 2017-18 APPS: 24 GOALS: 3

WHAT HAS HE GOT?

LAST season he terrorised Arsenal at the Emirates and it looked as though a sparkling career lay ahead. Despite his tremendous acceleration that dismantled Arsenal’s defence, he did not maintain that eye-catching form. However, Tony Pulis has given him some good advice and Traore (below) has begun to be more consistent. His asset is his speed — his acceleration from a standing start is eye-catching and he must take full advantage of this. He is now getting his head up and looking for teammates after his initial burst. Aware of the need for a more purposeful contribution, he is goal conscious, strong in fitness and, more importantly, his combination play is progressing.

WHAT DOES HE NEED?

HE HAS a tendency to over-run the ball but watching him in a recent game he drove past two defenders in a central position in the middle third, and played a well-paced pass to his wide man who was cutting in and able to run freely towards goal. It looks as though Pulis has adjusted his position and given him more responsibility. Traore must improve his awareness in transition, because he does not think quickly enough to position himself to both defend and then receive the ball when it is regained. Overall, though, it may be that the penny has dropped. This powerful speedster started at Barcelona but is only just beginning to combine his assets to best

effect.