Adama Traore - Player Profile

Barcelona had very little room for error this winter transfer window. The wage bill had to be sorted out and the Xavi had to be given reinforcements in order to boost hopes for Champions League football next season. Xavi needs wingers for his system and Alemany got him Ferran Torres and former Barcelona “Made in La Masia” player Adama Traore. Although we don’t know where Ferran Torres will be played, Adama Traore will surely be deployed to hug the touchline to unbalance defences with his speed, dribbling and silky baby oil. As a low risk loan signing, Barcelona couldn’t have much more to fill the void on the wing.

The Obvious Traits

Adama Traore’s game is based around his speed and dribbling ability. He completes a commendable 3.97 shot creating actions, 3.13 crosses and wins 2 aerials duels per 90. His main downside is his end product, he rarely gets into good positions and his goals+assists tally (is less than Fred) this season is quite laughable. Just comparing Adama Traore’s “non-penalty xG to shot ratio” of 0.08 per 90 to Ferran Torres’ 0.15 per 90 shows you the difference in quality. Adama taking only 2 shots per 90 that too of low quality is a quite unenticing prospect to look forward too.

The Great Carrier

The trait that Xavi will have to look to utilize is Adama’s ability to carry the ball, he makes the top 6% of wingers for total ball carrying distance, progressive carries, total progressive carrying distance and carries into the penalty area. The prospect of him playing as a right wing back could be exciting but this would be unlikely as Xavi usually prefers his wingers to provide the width rather than the fullbacks, as we have seen likes of Dani Alves and Jordi Alba inverting into midfield. The best position for him would be as a wide forward where he can take his man on and look for crossing and cut back options. When Barcelona are too passive in possession, Adama can provide the burst of energy to push the team forward.