Barcelona new boy Adama Traore has been heavily criticised on Spanish television by former Atletico Madrid manager Jorge D’Alessandro.
The Spain international left Wolves to join the La Liga giants on loan until the end of the season during the January transfer window.
He was close to joining Tottenham after Antonio Conte made him a priority for the Premier League club. However, a deal failed to materialise and Traore opted to join Barcelona.
Adama Traore: No one thrills and frustrates like Barca’s Boro boy
The winger made his second debut for the Blaugrana in Sunday’s 4-2 win against Atletico Madrid and impressed according to most.
Traore provided an assist for Gavi, who rose above the Atletico defence to score despite his small stature.
However, ex-player and manager D’Alessandro is not convinced by the 26-year-old, likening him to a boxer as opposed to a footballer.
Jorge d’Alessandro has discovered Adama Traoré’s biceps and he’s jealous. pic.twitter.com/qaTtbfSa5O
— El Chiringuito in English (@ElChiringuitoEN) February 7, 2022
“I didn’t see a superior Barca. Adama Traore, a player with a lot of strength, one on one, it was like a boxing match,” D’Alessandro said (quotes via the Daily Mail).
“Where is the talent? Where is the subtlety of dribbling? Where is the ability to dribble? Going through with just strength… but what kind of football is that? Football is strength? Football is details.
“I don’t like that. I see that as a soldier. I haven’t seen the Premier League. He’s a sub, behind [Francisco] Trincao. You can keep Adama Traore.”
Barca manager Xavi was impressed by Traore, however. He said after the match: “Adama is a very mature player. He knows when to face up, when to pass and he’s chosen his moments well today.
“Physically he is an animal, a beast. He is a pure winger and he will help us. He is a great signing for the team.
“Adama makes the difference. He has power, strength, he dribbles at opponents and he’s solid in defence.”
Elsewhere, Real Madrid will target Leicester City star Wesley Fofana when the summer transfer window opens, according to reports.
The centre-back – who is also a reported target of Chelsea and Manchester United – was revealed as being ‘on the radar’ of the La Liga club last month.
And Defensa Central (via The Hard Tackle) reports Madrid’s interest in the 21-year-old and claim he is now their top target as they look to bolster their defence in the summer.
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