Boro winger Adama Traore blew Bolton Wanderers away on Saturday – but will he do the same to former club Aston Villa?
While Albert Adomah was left out of Aston Villa’s squad for Saturday’s dire stalemate with Brentford, the player the club let go as part of an exchange deal with the 29-year-old produced one of the finest individual performances seen in the Championship this season.
No one has ever stopped to question Adama Traore’s pace and physical attributes but it was his end product, so often the subject of criticism, that inspired Middlesbrough to a comfortable 3-0 win at Bolton Wanderers at the weekend.
Traore set up both of Britt Assombalonga’s goals with a trademark sprint and cross, the second seeing him leave three Bolton defenders choking on his dust as he exploded into the box to serve up the striker’s second finish on a garnished plate.
No wonder supporters are fearful of reunion with their former player as Steve Bruce’s struggling side welcome Garry Monk’s Middlesbrough to Villa Park on Tuesday.
Neil Taylor may be a reliable and sturdy left-back but pace has never been one of his primary attributes. Therefore, the Wales international could be forgiven for feeling a little nervous as Traore powers up his jet-heeled boots in preparation for a return to the Midlands.
On this form, Traore even resembles the player he shone in Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy. And Boro’s answer to Messi has a point to prove to the club that barely gave him a chance.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
