Agbonlahor issues two-word verdict on Traore being transformed into a wing-back by Tottenham
There is “no way” Antonio Conte can turn Adama Traore into a wing-back if he completes a move to Tottenham, according to Gabby Agbonlahor.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former England forward hailed the “outstanding” attributes of his ex-Aston Villa teammate but insisted they were not suited to defending.
A Tottenham source told Football Insider on Monday (24 January) the capture of Traore from Wolves was all but done.
He is set to be the first signing of the Conte-era at Spurs as he pushes for three more signings this month.
Asked whether he thought the 26-year-old could play the wing-back role in Conte’s system, Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “No way.”
He added: “You can’t transform a right-winger like Traore. Some right-wingers you might be able to but not Traore, he’s all attack.
“It doesn’t matter that he’s quick, he’ll mistime challenges get booked and get sent off. You can’t do that.
“I’m sure his engine isn’t built for defending, Adama Traore does get gassed a lot when he goes on those mazy runs. When he goes on those runs and has to get back and be a defender, I just don’t see it happening. He hasn’t got the attributes.
“He was a very good player when I played with him, just didn’t cross at the right times, which was frustrating for strikers.
“He had outstanding pace, outstanding dribbling, outstanding strength and he was very skilful. He had quite a strong shot as well.
“But decision making and fitness, I don’t see him as the sort of player who can fly forward and then fly back.”
In other news, Tottenham are in advanced talks to seal a loan-to-buy deal.