clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Rafa Benitez interested in bringing Adama Traore to Newcastle United.

The young Spaniard has shown glimpses of exceptional ability during his spells at Aston Villa and Middlesbrough in the Premier League.

Middlesbrough v Arsenal - Premier League
Adama Traore has emerged as a Newcastle target.
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

According to Lee Ryder of the Chronicle, Newcastle do have an interest in the 21-year-old winger, which has been met with a mixed response from fans.

Those in favour will point to his ridiculous pace and outrageous strength, whilst those not in favour will point to statistics. Last season at the Riverside, he managed a solitary assist, failing to find the net.

Stand out performances against the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City alerted English football fans to his exceptional talent, but it also highlighted many flaws to his game.

Too often did the former Barcelona youngster beat multiple players, before failing to create any sort of goalscoring chance for a teammate. Too often did he choose the wrong option in the final third. Too often did he bomb forward, but lose possession and leave his team open to a counter attack.

It all sounds bad so far, but when you watch him, you can only imagine just how good he would be, if he could develop some sort of end product to his game.

He is still young and clearly very raw, but I have honestly not seen a player so fast and so strong in a very long time.

Under the guidance of his fellow Spaniard Rafa Benitez, the sky is the limit.

Newcastle United v Barnsley - Sky Bet Championship
Rafa Benitez will be hopeful of unlocking Traore's potential.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

The word "Entertainer" strikes a chord with almost every Newcastle fan. That is what he is. An ultimate entertainer. True, he should not be relied upon to start every single game next season, but in years to come, he could be special.

Adama Traore is going to be a star, any Newcastle fan that does not want him on Tyneside needs to realise that.