Wolves fell to a 2-0 defeat against Arsenal last night, but it was another promising display from Boubacar Traore.
The summer signing from FC Metz was selected to play in midfield alongside Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho. Matheus Nunes was only fit enough for the bench, after recently recovering from a shoulder injury.
It was the Malian’s ninth appearance in Wolves colours – and this was perhaps his best to date.
In previous games, Traore has looked a bit chaotic and awkward.
It has been clear that he’s been frantically looking to impress. And that’s understandable, given he’s only on loan at the club and Wolves have an option to buy hanging over him. That option is thought to be just under £10 million.
But in recent weeks he has been getting better, and last night he probably had his best outing in Wolves colours so far.
The star completed 20/24 passes, and won 6/8 duels, according to Sofascore data.
He showed good discipline, and made it difficult for the Arsenal midfield to gain control. He provided lots of energy and aggression in the engine room, things that have been sorely lacking in recent seasons.
Julen Lopetegui officially starts work tomorrow. Traore has looked promising under Lage and Davis, and Wolves fans will be hoping the Spaniard can bring him on even further moving forwards.
Boubacar Traore now needs to become a Wolves regular under Julen Lopetegui
It feels as though Traore is now ready to start regularly for Wolves in the midfield.
He’s had a bit of time to get used to English football, and he is now taking to it well.
Without doubt, he should be in the team now ahead of Joao Moutinho who, unfortunately, is now having games pass him by quite often.
That was perhaps to be expected given his advancing years.
Moutinho still has a very important role to play for Wolves this season. But he should now be behind Traore in the pecking order.
It just feels as though the more Traore is allowed to be out there to express himself, the better he is going get.
He’s a real dynamo, and him in there alongside Neves and Nunes feels like a midfield with massive potential.