Why Adama Traore should go to Tottenham instead of Barcelona
Martin Macdonald
- 27 Jan 2022 07:08 CST
- 3 min read
Wolves forward Adama Traore has been linked with both Barcelona and Tottenham in the January transfer window.
The Spain international can be unplayable on his day due to his arguably unmatched pace and power in the Premier League, but unfortunately for the player he tends to run hot and cold for Wolves.
That is reflected in his goal contributions, as he is yet to record a goal or an assist in the 2021/22 Premier League.
In the 2020/21 campaign, he scored just two and set up a further two.
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When asked about the interest in his player, Wolves manager Bruno Lage admitted that a transfer could happen if it makes sense for Wolves and Traore.
"I don't know anything about that, but what is the most important thing in the world?
football?" he told Sky Sports.
"It has to be good for the club and good for the player. I'm happy with my forwards, but you never know."
Why Tottenham are the best option for Traore
Should Traore leave before the end of the current window, then it will likely be to Barcelona or Tottenham.
Barcelona represent a very interesting option for the winger as he actually started his career with the Blaugrana and is a product of the famed La Masia academy.
He featured once in La Liga and once in the Champions League for Barca before moving to England with Aston Villa.
Xavi was a player at Barcelona when Traore was coming through the ranks and clearly believes he is the man to get the best out of his compatriot.
However, Traore's talents undoubtedly would be more suited to the football played by Antonio Conte at Spurs.
Xavi will play with a 4-3-3 and although Traore could replace Ousmane Dembele and feature on the right-hand side of the front three, Barca will of course play a possession-based system.
Barcelona will have the most of the ball in nearly every game they will play, and the recycling of possession does not suit Traore - counterattacking football suits him.
Conte likes to build his sides around a solid defensive unit with an emphasis on picking the correct moment to burst into life on the counter.
This is when Traore is at his best, utilising his electric speed to open up the pitch and terrorise defenders.
In Conte's 3-5-2 system, Traore could slot in perfectly in the right wing-back role, contributing both going forward and defensively as his speed will allow for quick recoveries.
