Adama Traore will only add to Fulham’s goalscoring exploits

In his debut piece, Charlie Shaw says the return of our winger from injury will instantly bolster our goals for column.

After three months of relative toothlessness going forward, Fulham look to have hit their goalscoring stride. Following 16 goals in four, Fulham still might have another weapon waiting in the wings. After joining for free in the summer, the signing of Adama sparked much fanfare. Off the back of four and a half years at Wolves and half a season on loan at Catalan giants, Barcelona, the 27-year old has been subject to a range of interest from top clubs throughout his career, and the banks of the Thames might be on the cusp of seeing just why.

Seamless fit

The new system Fulham have implemented after the international break looks to have three possible number 10s in Tom Cairney, Alex Iwobi and Andreas Pereira, and these options sees to have revitalised Fulham’s creative edge. With the trio leaving space for a singular traditional winger in Marco Silva’s new-look Fulham.

Traore’s directness could give us is something that we may lack, with Willian at points this season being criticised for a lack of directness that he may of possessed last season. Adama would counteract this, with his runs in behind partnered by the creative spark of Fulham’s attacking midfield triumvirate, Traore could be a headache for defences across the premier league.

Alongside this, our counter-attacking style is suited to a tee, with a ball carrying ability that could get Fulham up the pitch with speed. We saw glimpses of this in his scintillating run down the wing in the final few minutes away at Arsenal, and in his stint at Wolves and Middlesbrough averaging five dribbles per game. The Spainard’s footballing skill set gives another method of attack to Marco Silva’s free-scoring Whites.

As the second arrival from Molineux in the summer, Adama’s entrance into the Fulham side appears to have coincided with Raul Jiminez’s uptake in form. At Wolves, Adama was sometimes used as an inside forward or second striker off the back of Raul, as Wolves, similarly to Fulham, looked to use him in transition to progress with pace up the pitch, while utilising the footballing intelligence and physical statue of Raul to hold the ball up and create chances for the onrushing Traore.

Competition for places

To the delight of Fulham fans, players and staff alike, Fulham have found the solution for their goalscoring drought. But the administration of the new system of three number tens, has increased competition. The singular space on the wing for Fulham’s out and out wingers. With Willian and Wilson both in a rich vein of form, Adama will have to impress in the minutes off the bench he is bound to collect, alongside the cup minutes he will receive in the upcoming weeks, to stake a claim in this Fulham side.

Everyone at Fulham will be hoping Adama can recreate the form he showcased for Wolves that caused him to be one of the hottest properties in world football. With Marco’s renowned ability to reinvigorate careers, I for one would bet that Adama will develop into an asset for Fulham for years to come. While he might have to wait for his opportunity, Traore will, at least for now, be one of the first names off the bench, so the Marco can exploit his blistering speed as Silva wait to bed him into the Fulham fold.