Nuno: Adama Traore must improve Wolves decision-making
Nuno Espirito Santo insists Wolves’ record signing Adama Traore knows his decision-making has to improve to succeed in the top flight.
The 22-year-old speedster made his fourth Premier League start for Wolves as they lost 2-0 to Liverpool on Friday.
And the £18million buy from Middlesbrough caused the Reds problems early on, but was taken off in the second half – meaning he is still yet to see out a full 90 minutes under Nuno in the league.
Assessing Traore’s performance against Jurgen Klopp’s men, Nuno said: “Like all the team, there were bits that were good and bits that were not so good.
“Better decisions, that’s something we have to work on with Adama.”
Traore had a couple of decent opportunities to get on the scoresheet in the first quarter of an hour.
The first saw him blaze wide of the near post after being put through by Joao Moutinho, while the second saw him drag the ball past the far post from a similar position.
His solitary goal for Wolves was the late winner at West Ham, at the start of September.
“We know that (he has to make better decisions), but he works hard for the team.
“Like the team, he has to improve. We all have to improve.”
Klopp was happy with how Liverpool dealt with the ‘motorbike’ pace of Traore.
At former club Boro, he had one-to-one training with former Olympic gold medal sprinter Darren Campbell – about being more efficient with his exceptional speed.
Traore could find himself up front alongside Raul Jimenez again as Wolves head to Craven Cottage to face Fulham on Wednesday (kick-off 12.30pm).
And Nuno is keen to see more composure from his forwards on Boxing Day.
“We create, and we have to finish,” he said.
“We have to work on our composure, to have that shot.”
Wolves are going into the game having had an extra day to prepare, as Fulham made the lengthy trip to Newcastle where they drew 0-0 on Saturday.
But Nuno does not think that gives his charges an advantage.
“It’s going to be busy for everybody,” he added.
“It’s going to be tough for all the teams.”