Truth of the matter is many made their mind up on Traore a long time ago. And they can't revise their opinion Yes he can't finish or pass as well as he should. But he brings something very few players can. He can pull a defence out of position. He can beat a man for fun, and personally I think he could work on his finishing and develop an ability to cut in from the left-wing and finish on his right foot. When teams show him down the wing, forwards need to be ready for a cut back from him. This is not rocket science. The hard part is what he is naturally good at - beating a man and making room for a shot or a pass.
I wanted him when villa were relegated as an alternative to NKoudu and GNK and then again when we missed out on Mane and Poch wanted someone to "punch through" a defense (we ended up with Sissoko!). Most couldn't see any talent calling him a sprinter which I couldn't understand as he clearly has a unique ability. Its not polished, and his end product needs improvement which should come from him actually slowing down a little, but his talent is undeniable.
So if it's Traore, that must mean we are certain on keeping Kane. (If indeed it is an either/or - Traore v striker)
Or is it all a smokescreen to flush out the big bid from City?
Basically the commentary now
- Kane stays
- We want a top striker to partner but none of the deals are panning out
- Play Son as an actual 2nd striker
- With Son Kane central, go with Bergwijn/Traore as actual wingers (Assuming 4-4-2)
- your bench then becomes Lucas, Gil, Dele
I wanted him thenTruth of the matter is many made their mind up on Traore a long time ago. And they can't revise their opinion Yes he can't finish or pass as well as he should. But he brings something very few players can. He can pull a defence out of position. He can beat a man for fun, and personally I think he could work on his finishing and develop an ability to cut in from the left-wing and finish on his right foot. When teams show him down the wing, forwards need to be ready for a cut back from him. This is not rocket science. The hard part is what he is naturally good at - beating a man and making room for a shot or a pass.
I wanted him when villa were relegated as an alternative to NKoudu and GNK and then again when we missed out on Mane and Poch wanted someone to "punch through" a defense (we ended up with Sissoko!). Most couldn't see any talent calling him a sprinter which I couldn't understand as he clearly has a unique ability. Its not polished, and his end product needs improvement which should come from him actually slowing down a little, but his talent is undeniable.
So if it's Traore, that must mean we are certain on keeping Kane. (If indeed it is an either/or - Traore v striker)
Or is it all a smokescreen to flush out the big bid from City?
is anyone else getting that 2016 Sissoko feeling again?
oh please GHod don't let us have them both here at the same timeAt least we would have the ready made replacement spacegoat if and when Sissoko went!
Serious question:The answer has to be to create space
gotta get rid of moura or bergwjin for traore.
meanacing random runs towards goal causes disarray for the opponent's defence, but you only need one per game!
Serious question:
Are there any examples at all of good teams that have effectively used an elite dribbler, with otherwise poor skills to create space and opportunities to the better forwards? I can't think of any.
Serious question:
Are there any examples at all of good teams that have effectively used an elite dribbler, with otherwise poor skills to create space and opportunities to the better forwards? I can't think of any.
Both of them could pass and finish thoughNot sure there are many elite dribblers in the modern game.
Maybe a reference for us to think about was Bale/Lennon type combination?
Not sure there are many elite dribblers in the modern game.
Maybe a reference for us to think about was Bale/Lennon type combination?
But… that is his normLennon was the thought which sprang to my mind. Going further back, Lee Sharpe and Kanchelskis were a lot more pace than skill...and I think a lot of people on here are under-estimating Traore's ability too, particularly as he played on the left yesterday, despite being right footed, meaning his crosses were poorer
But… that is his norm
He can’t pass very well
He can’t shoot very well either
What he can do is run with a ball better than anyone in the league other than maybe grealish
He also wins loads of fouls and that is a good thing if we can use the set pieces
His ball control too is actually very good.