Adama Traoré’s lack of form for Wolverhampton Wanderers has left his international chances with Spain in doubt.
That’s according to ABC, who say the Wolves forward is ‘immersed in a fight that he is losing’ this season.
They explain that Traoré is yet to score a goal or assist one in the Premier League this season, a ‘surprising record’ given his ‘exceptional qualities’.
Indeed, his drought is not just limited to this season, with his last goal coming against Manchester City on December 27th 2019.
Several factors have contributed to this, of course, with Wolves struggles and the absence of Raúl Jiménez part of the problem.
The fact is, though, Traoré has been nowhere near his best for some time and this ‘takes on greater significance’ as Luis Enrique gets closer to announcing his Spain squad on March 19th.
Traoré was one of those in the squad last time and ‘became the sensation of the team’ when he made his debut, with his ‘physical power’ and ‘ability to run free’, meaning he fits into Enrique’s style of play like a glove.
However, since that point, Traoré has not kicked on and his failure to not ‘finished improving his figures’ means his chances of returning to the national team have been directly affected.
A comparison with last season ‘does not hold’, with the Wolves star sitting on four goals and seven assists after 26 Premier League games last season, figures that led to his call up by Enrique in the first place.
He ‘justified the wait’ with his performances after that, but his form since then means there is now a big decision to be made.
ABC do point out that, in terms of statistics, Traoré is only behind Lionel Messi in terms of ‘dribbles completed per game’, and that could work in his favour.
The truth is, though, that at the moment, his statistics don’t match up, and he will need to pick up quickly, perhaps starting tonight against Manchester City, if he is to ensure his place moving forward.
