Famous for muscular body
©IMAGO
His muscular stature made Adama Traoré (30) famous. Now the West Ham United attacker, who trained at FC Barcelona, should at least not gain any more. Coach Nuno Espirito Santo made this clear during a press conference before the guest appearance at Traoré’s former club Fulham (Wednesday, 8:30 p.m.). The trainer called the Spaniard’s unusually muscular body “unbelievable” for a professional soccer player.
But he should avoid further strength training, emphasized Espirito Santo. “I told him stay away from the gym. That’s one of the things he needs to internalize. He’s got enough weight on him. He’ll continue to do preventative work, but he won’t lift any more weights.”
Traoré moved from Fulham to West Ham in London in January of this year, where he has not yet played a major role on the field. Traoré already worked under Espirito Santo during their time at Wolverhampton, and now he should help prevent the Irons’ impending relegation. So far, however, the veteran has only made short appearances as a joker.
“We must not forget how important the players who are not playing are for our preparation and playing options,” explained Espirito Santo. Traoré is unique. “There aren’t many players in world football with his skill, his speed and his one-on-one ability. He is a talent that we need to exploit, but it takes time.”
For Traoré it is now about adapting. The coach said: “He has to understand the dynamics in the team. I think the team welcomed him very well. He gave us new energy. Traoré is patient enough to know that his chance will come.” However, there are currently two players ahead of Traoré who the coach confirms are in “absolute top form”: captain Jarrod Bowen (29) and Crysencio Summerville (24). Traoré was one of five winter signings at Stratford after the first half of the season. West Ham is currently in the upper relegation zone 18, two and four points behind their also overly disappointing competitors Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur (to the table).
