By Louis Nixon
The deal for Adama Traore has hit a stumbling block as the Spaniard has a concern over gametime, and given his position, it makes sense to be concerned, but we could see Nuno attempt a radical approach.
Many had thought that the Adama Traore deal had been signed and sealed after various news reports, but as it turns out, the Hammers were close to concluding a deal, but a stumbling block occurred as Adama Traore himself wasn’t entirely convinced about the move and had cold feet due to the limited gametime he might’ve received.
The Spaniard is set to speak with Nuno and disucss about what could be done, but as anticipated, he won’t be a starter for the Hammers, considering he plays the same position as Jarrod Bowen, but how could he be utilised to his maximum capacity on Nuno’s side?
If Adama Traore was in anticipation of a starting position at the Hammers, that won’t be possible, but as an impact substitution? That could certainly happen for sure.
Traore’s preferred position is out on the right wing, but the odds of replacing Bowen, unless due to a differing circumstance, are little to none. The idea that I would propose would be to either move Bowen to a False 9 role or to help out in the midfield, where he could create chances for the attackers.
Some might call it madness and could suggest that it is utterly ludicrous to do that, but here’s the thinking process behind it.
Once in a winning position, Nuno tends to become more defensive minded and Jarrod likes to track back, of which he does to great success, but what you’ll notice, is he drifts towards the middle of the park in hope to claim or recieve the ball, in which he procedes to then charge towards the wing and places himself in a position to either shoot, or get the ball in the box.
My suggestion and hope would simply be, instead of needing Bowen to charge down the wing and drive the ball forward, we simply allow Adama to utilise the wing role, he could charge down the wing, and Bowen can be the receiver of the ball rather than creating the chance.
Unfortunately, with Traore, his ability to play other positions is little to none, but Bowen on the other hand, we can make do in other positions, depending on where we lie in the match. I do truly believe that Taty, Bowen and Traore could work as a trio together and pose as an attacking threat.
