Middlesbrough defender says Adama Traore frightened Arsenal

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The flying Boro winger made his first start of the season at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson has heaped praise on deadline-day signing Adama Traore, after the winger’s swashbuckling performance in Boro’s impressive 0-0 draw at Arsenal on Saturday, as quoted by the Gazette Live.

Traore was making his first Premier League start for Aitor Karanka’s men since his late summer transfer from relegated Aston Villa, and the former Barcelona youth prospect caught the eye with an exhilarating man-of-the-match performance for his new club, as his blistering pace and innovative dribbling forced the in-form Gunners onto the back foot and almost inspired the Teesiders to an unlikely victory.

The 20-year-old was desperately unlucky not to open his Middlesbrough account after his stunning first half solo effort was denied by an exceptional Petr Cech save, however the dynamic winger refused to be discouraged by the miss and continued to be a thorn in the side of Arsene Wenger’s team for the duration of the 90 minutes.

Following Traore’s dazzling debut display, defender Gibson, who was also in terrific form during Saturday’s stalemate in North London, has waxed lyrical about his nimble teammates ability, labelling the strapping youngster as ‘a beast’.

“He’s absolutely rapid, and he’s also very strong. He’s a bit of a beast to play against.” Gibson told the Gazette Live.

“He had a real effect on them (Arsenal), and he was an outlet that got us right up the pitch. He made their defence drop a bit, and made them scared.

“He did his job brilliantly and was unlucky not to have capped his performance with a goal.”

Traore’s excellent performance could not have arrived at a better time for Boro boss Aitor Karanka, with the Spaniard’s guileful side struggling for inspiration in front of goal since last season’s promotion to the Premier League; as marquee summer signing Alvaro Negredo continues to flatter to deceive.

Traore provides Karanka with a unique outlet to hit teams on the break via the wing or through the middle, and the former Aston Villa man could prove to be the attacking spark that ignites Boro’s season, after a middling start to the 2016/17 campaign has left them lingering at the foot of the table.