Former Wolves defender Andy Thompson has praised Boubacar Traore for his performance against Brentford at the weekend.
The Malian midfielder was back in the starting XI for Wolves, replacing Joao Moutinho.
The 21-year-oldrecent got his first start for the club against Crystal Palace, but was then back on the bench for the game against Leicester City.
But Traore lined up alongside Ruben Neves and Matheus Nunes on Saturday, and did fairly well.
He had a bit of a shaky start, misplacing a few passes and showing a heavy touch here and there.
But he really settled down in the second-half, and was arguably one of Wolves’ best performers.
Traore was tidier in possession, and was very effective at winning the ball back for Wanderers, who were giving a stronger push for a winning goal than Brentford in the second-half.
Traore’s display left former Molineux full-back Thompson impressed, with the 54-year-old taken by his enthusiasm.
He said (via Wolves official): “I thought he played well. We talk about somebody in midfield chasing things down and closing things down and he did that. I said kin the last game that he played that he’s probably a little bit eager, but it’s just showing you that’s what we probably need after last week’s performance.
“He makes the odd mistake and he’s sometimes in two minds about his decision making, but he’s still learning. He’s still a young lad, and those are the things you can see from him.
“But there’s no doubt about it, the way that he closes people down and the way that he rushes in, is what we’ve needed.
“He will make mistakes. But I’d rather have his eagerness and the way he tries to win things in the team than not at all. He wants to try and win every ball, and sometimes you can’t, but he will learn from that.”
Traore is now up to six appearances for Wanderers since joining on loan from FC Metz.
Boubacar Traore is beginning to have an influence for Wolves, as Andy Thompson praises youngster’s efforts against Brentford
Traore looked really promising in that second-half against the Bees.
The youngster is a real physical presence in the engine room, which is what Wolves have been crying out for for a while.
He is definitely raw at the moment.
That eagerness to impress is very evident, but that’s understandable. Especially with Traore only being on loan – he likely wants to earn himself the permanent move. Wolves can buy him for around £10 million next summer.
Thompson has suggested that the Wolves midfield is better off for having Traore and his energy in there.
He is certainly beginning to make a case to become a regular.
Veteran Joao Moutinho hasn’t really been at the races this season, so there’s definitely potential for Traore to claim a starting berth.