Former Aston Villa winger Adama Traore starred for Middlesbrough against Arsenal.
Middlesbrough’s Adama Traore in action with Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin
Pundit Alan Smith has told The Telegraph that he thought Adama Traore was ‘absolutely sensational’ for Middlesbrough against Arsenal.
Boro had lost four games in the last five as they travelled down to the Emirates Stadium, but Aitor Karanka’s men not only nullified Arsenal, but arguably could have won the game.
Arsenal’s Petr Cech saves from Middlesbrough’s Adama Traore
Winger Adama Traore gave Arsenal no end of problems, terrorising full back Nacho Monreal with his blistering pace, and he also tested goalkeeper Petr Cech.
Traore’s display has been hailed by many pundits, with many wondering just how the winger played such a small role in Aston Villa’s side last season.
Traore, 20, was seen as a major coup for Villa having starred in the Barcelona ranks, where he came through the famous La Masia academy before leaving for Villa in the summer of 2015.
Middlesbrough’s Adama Traore in action with Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin
Despite his obvious pace and talent, Traore played just 11 Premier League games last season, and was sent packing to Boro in August with Albert Adomah heading the other way as Karanka took a punt on his fellow Spaniard.
Based on his performance against Arsenal, that looks to be an inspired decision, and pundit Alan Smith has raved about his performance.
Aston Villa’s Adama Traore looks dejected
Smith told The Telegraph that he felt Traore was ‘absolutely sensational’ against Arsenal, and made a sarcastic remark about the winger’s time at Villa, claiming he didn’t know they had so much talent in their relegated side that they couldn’t find him a role in the team.
“What about Adama Traore’s performance at Arsenal? He was absolutely sensational,” said Smith. “I did not realise Aston Villa were so flush with talent last season they could afford to leave him out,” he added.
Do you think Villa misused Traore?
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