The Middlesbrough youngster has been in sparkling form of late and could inspire Boro to another impressive scalp at the weekend.
Mark Schwarzer has told Middlesbrough’s official website that Riverside attacker Adama Traore has been one of the best bargains of the season so far.
The lightning fuelled Spaniard was highly thought of in his own country when making waves in Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy, and has recovered from a slow start to his career on Teesside to demonstrate his eye-catching potential with dazzling performances in away draws against Arsenal and Manchester City.
Boro pulled off quite the coup when bringing in Adama from Aston Villa, allowing Albert Adomah to go in the other direction, and the former Middlesbrough goalkeeper believes he could make the difference when Aitor Karanka’s side take on another of his former clubs, Chelsea, at the weekend.
“Adama Traore has been a revelation, one of the finds of the season, and has brought an extra dimension to the team,” Schwarzer told the club’s official website.
“I’m excited watching him play because he’s so strong and powerful, and you always think he’s going to do something special.”
Chelsea are yet to concede a goal since changing to their new-look 3-5-2 system five games ago, but Adama could provide a stern test of the defensive capabilities of swashbuckling wing-backs Victor Moses or Marcos Alonso.
And Schwarzer believes Antonio Conte’s side will have their work cut out in the first Premier League meeting between the two sides at the Riverside since Saloman Kalou’s brace helped Chelsea to a 5-0 thrashing in 2008.
“Boro’s recent results have been really good, I’ve been pleasantly surprised, particularly the way they played away at Arsenal and Manchester City,” the former Australian international added.
“I think clearly the Arsenal result gave the team a hell of a lot of confidence and they’ve grown.
“Chelsea will have to play very well to win the game.
“Middlesbrough are the same, but I think they will be quietly confident they can get a result.”
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