John Terry said Bertrand Traore “has everything” to become an Aston Villa star after his stunning debut in the 3-0 Carabao Cup victory over Bristol City on Thursday night while speaking to the Birmingham Mail.
Villa fans may have been concerned when the news broke they had spent £17 million on a forward who scored just once in 23 Ligue 1 matches last season, falling well down the pecking order at Lyon as a result.
But Traore is already starting to silence his doubters and pay back that hefty transfer fee.
The former Chelsea youngster marked his return to English football with a masterclass in wing play at Ashton Gate, lofting a picture-perfect volley into the Bristol City net less than 20 minutes into his debut.
Traore also played a big part in Anwar El Ghazi’s opener, while his defence-splitting abilities were clear for all to see on the banks of the Severn.
“Bertrand’s come in tonight and put in a good performance for someone who hasn’t played a lot. To come in and get the goal tops it off. He was excellent,” says Terry, a former teammate of Traore at Stamford Bridge.
“I wouldn’t say I pushed (for the transfer), I know my role at the football club. I advise and we want bigger and better players in the building. I’ve had previous with him and I gave a good character reference as well
“Personally and professionally, we’re delighted to have him. He has everything – the pace, strength and willingness to prove himself at the very top.
“He has that quality (and) pace to run in behind. He can isolate people in one-on-one situations. We have that over on the other side with Jack (Grealish). He can produce that, (which) can free Jack up as well, especially when we get that switch of play through quickly during games.
“He’s got that potential to beat players, score amazing goals and, hopefully, we’ll see a bit more of that.”
Traore may have struggled during his final year in France but the rest of his CV makes impressive reading.
The versatile forward netted 29 times in his first two seasons in Lyon colours and was a big part of the youthful Ajax side that reached the Europa League final in 2017.
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