Wolves manager Gary O’Neil has taken the time to praise midfielder Boubacar Traore, backing the 22-year-old to have a big future at Molineux.
Gary O’Neil will be eager to have his Wolves squad back together after the international break, with a lot to play for with 10 games to go in the Premier League.
The Old Gold face a trip to Villa Park next in what is set to be a fiercely contested duel with Aston Villa, as both sides eye three points to bolster their respective European hopes.
Not many would have believed that O’Neil would have had the impact that he’s had at Molineux, considering the climate of the club at the time of his arrival last summer.
Still, the boss has managed to find success from his favoured XI throughout the campaign, which is positive news for many, although some stars have fallen away from the manager’s spotlight.
It’s been a difficult season for Boubacar Traore
It’s not been an easy season for Boubacar Traore, who has struggled to secure consistent game time after making his loan move from FC Metz permanent in the summer.
After suffering a groin injury last term, the 22-year-old missed a host of game-time between the midway point and the end of the season, with his absence seeing other players’ talent come to light.
The likes of Joao Gomes and Mario Lemina have proved to O’Neil that they are the best midfield pivot on offer at Wolves, leaving Traore with extremely limited minutes throughout the 2023/24 calendar.
Speaking to the media about the Mali international, the Wolves manager sympathised with the young star due to the current pecking order in the squad, via Express and Star.
“It’s been a difficult one for him because of the form of Mario and Joao and then the fact he was away for a while, it’s made him play less than he probably would have done.”
Gary O’Neil is ‘excited’ for Boubacar Traore’s future at Wolves
Having only secured three starts and a total of 393 minutes in the Premier League this season, Traore has been starved of playing time.
Despite his lack of minutes, therefore limiting his chance to impress the manager, the 22-year-old has been praised for O’Neil, who admitted that he is excited about what’s in store for the midfielder at Molineux.
“I’m really excited by what he could be, I’ve said it a few times and especially to my staff, in a few of his performances I was really impressed with him.”
“Everyone knows his physical attributes and how quickly he can cover ground, how quickly he can press and the energy he brings.”
“We haven’t got to see quite enough of it this year, so it’s important we keep trying to use him and improve him.”
“He has a big future because he’s still very young.”
Still only 22, there is plenty of time for Traore to reimpose himself at Wolves, particularly following the manager’s comments, that suggest he still has a role to play in the squad.