Chelsea linked with interest in signing player Vertonghen once termed as tougher to mark than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi: Reports
Chelsea are reportedly linked with Wolverhampton Wanderers star Adama Traore, a player that former Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen stated was harder to mark than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
According to The Telegraph, Thomas Tuchel wants to sign Traore this month to play at right wingback in the absence of Reece James. The Englishman is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury and Tuchel has identified Traore as the perfect replacement.
No player in Europe's top five leagues has completed more successful dribbles than Adama Traore 💪 https://t.co/HqqR1mnKOF
However, according to transfer expert Dean Jones, Chelsea will have to contend with Tottenham in the race for Traore's signature. He said:
"Spurs have competition from Chelsea for Adama Traore. They aren’t as advanced as Tottenham"
Traore's speed, physical attributes and dribbling ability has made him a menace for Premier League defenders over the last three seasons. The Spaniard has not yet scored or assisted in the league during this campaign. However, he is still highly sought after by some of Europe's top clubs.
Former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Paddy Kenny gave his opinion on Traore and how he thinks the Spaniard will be a good fit for Tottenham. He explained:
"Playing as a wing-back may be the best thing for Traore. He doesn’t have that much on an end product in my opinion. His goal and assist record isn’t as good as you would think. Obviously he is massive, he’s so well built so that suits a defender. He’s also lightning quick to go along with the muscle."
“I can see him at Tottenham and if Conte wants him, you have to trust him. He could explode onto the scene at Tottenham if he gets a bit of confidence and has quality players around him. I think that’s a really interesting move."
Despite having played primarily as a winger for Wolves, Traore should be able to adapt to the wingback role seamlessly. It remains to be seen whether Chelsea will be able to beat Tottenham to the signature of the Spaniard this month.
Vertonghen picks Chelsea target Traore over Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi
Jan Vertonghen admitted back in 2020, that Adama Traore was the player he struggled the most against defensively, despite having played against Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the past. He said:
"I have played against Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Suarez but the player I have struggled the most against over 90 minutes was Traore"
Traore started his career at Barcelona, graduating from their famed La Masia academy. The winger left Spain in 2015 to join Aston Villa. Following short spells at both Villa and Middlesbrough, the Spaniard joined Wolves in 2018. The 25-year old has since gone on to make 152 appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring 10 goals and providing 18 assists during his tenure.
In the last 24 hours, Jan Vertonghen and Andy Robertson have both claimed that Adama Traore is one of the toughest players they’ve ever faced, saying that he’s torn them apart for 90 minutes straight.
However, the stat merchants on here will have you believe he’s overrated...