Former Molineux midfielder Dave Edwards believes Boubacar Traore should be an automatic starter for Wolves now.
It was reported earlier this week that the 21-year-old is on the verge of becoming a permanent Wolves player.
The club signed him on loan from FC Metz on transfer deadline day in the summer.
He has now almost triggered the appearance-based clauses that will see the club sign him permanently for around £9.5 million.
Traore has impressed for Wolves in the weeks leading up to the World Cup.
The star started to see a bit more game time at Molineux.
He was handed starts in each of Wolves’ last three Premier League games against Brentford, Brighton and Arsenal.
He also came on as a substitute against Leeds United in the Carabao Cup and scored the winner, meaning Wanderers now face Gillingham next. That game takes place next Tuesday.
Traore has definitely made an impression. And in the eyes of Edwards, the Malian should now be selected to start regularly.
He said (Express & Star): “He’s been a breath of fresh air since he’s come into the team. He adds a different dynamic to the midfield and something different, which we needed.
He’s had some really positive performances, right from his first start at Crystal Palace. He’s been terrific.”
Edwards goes on to point out that Traore needs to improve his composure to reach the next level.
But he also believes the £9.5 million Wolves are about to spend on him is really good business.
And he thinks Julen Lopetegui should now make him a regular starter over Joao Moutinho, adding: “Traore is a completely different athlete. Rather than just intercept the ball, he is able to get after players. If you have willing forward runners off that, he can pick that pass. He’s been a great addition.
“For me, at the moment, he’d be an automatic starter.”
Boubacar Traore should now be a regular starter for Wolves under Julen Lopetegui
It is difficult to disagree with Edwards on this one. Traore brings qualities the midfield has been crying out for for some time.
He’s clearly still quite raw at the moment. But Traore needs to be given the minutes to iron out his game.
The potential is there, and he could become a top-class Premier League midfielder if given a show of faith now.
Hopefully Lopetegui sees that potential and believes he is deserving of regular opportunities.