Crystal Palace defender Tyrick Mitchell says Wolves winger Adama Traore taught him a lesson on his Premier League debut.
Mitchell made his first Palace start in a 2-0 defeat against Wolves when football resumed behind closed doors over lockdown.
And the defender told Palace’s official website that Traore opened his eyes that day.
“Actually starting against Wolves was a massive eye opener. In the Under-23s I would say not a lot of people can get past me. That was one thing I prided myself on,” he said.
“When I came up against [Adama] Traore, he was getting the better of me each time. It was humbling. That was one situation that taught me that I was still nowhere near my defending in the Premier League.
“You come up against so many different people: small fast players, big fast players, skilful players. So playing against Wolves was a massive turning point in my head. I can’t just walk out on the pitch and have everyone.
“Something needs to change, and I felt like after that match and after my season, I had definitely found my stride.”
Mitchell himself has a huge future in the game and former Palace boss Roy Hodgson called him ‘excellent’ in May.
Traore has given more experienced defenders than him a tough afternoon’s work with his pace and skill.
The Spaniard has gone off the boil somewhat slightly amid uncertainty over his contract situation.
But on his day, he remains capable of troubling any full-back in the division.
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