Nuno Espirito Santo
Wolverhampton Wanderers have done well to keep hold of exciting winger Adama Traore. The 25-year-old has attracted interests from the likes of Leeds United and Liverpool in recent seasons, plus a host of European clubs. But all that was while Nuno Espirito Santo was head coach at Molineux. Now, the landscape at Wolves is very different, with Bruno Lage in charge and Nuno the boss at Tottenham Hotspur. So perhaps it is no surprise that Spurs are trying to put together a deal to take Spain international Traore to north London. Nuno has always been a big admirer of the Spaniard, speaking highly of him while managing the West Midlands club.
Nuno Espirito Santo said: “Adama works very hard. When he has the ball it opens a lot of spaces. He’s unique and I’m really happy for him. The key for me is for him to sustain this level. The team recognises what we have. Adama can produce special moments. Adama can produce amazing things with his talent, his speed and character. With the way he works, he really deserves moments like this. He really works for them.”
Traore has previously commented the positive influence the Portuguese coach had on him, after he joined the Old Gold outfit in 2018.
Adama Traore said: “Nuno has been a massive figure for me. It’s the confidence he gives me. From the first day I came to Wolves he just made me feel that he believes I can take on any player and make them struggle. That is massive for a player and maybe you think it’s just me but if you ask any of guys they will tell you that the confidence of the manager is as important as the training you go to on a daily basis.”
It is understood that if Spurs director Fabio Paratici manages to land the 25-year-old before the transfer day deadline, the 45-year-old coach will be subject to a change in system, as Nuno prepares for Traore’s arrival. On the 1-0 Wolves win at Molineux on Sunday, Nuno was again, not short on the compliments for the winger.
Nuno Espirito Santo said: “I think Wolves have a very good team and created us enormous problems, big, big problems. One of those was Adama. Everyone knows Adama is unique and he’s very hard to stop.”
