Adama Traore told hes all muscle and no talent despite scintillating Barcelona debut

Premier League title race: Man City maintain healthy lead at top

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Ex-Atletico Madrid manager Jorge D’Alessandro has launched a scathing rant about Adama Traore after his second Barcelona debut. Traore contributed to Barcelona’s 4-2 triumph over Atletico on Sunday after re-joining the club on loan from Wolves in the January transfer window.

The 26-year-old started at Camp Nou as Barcelona leapfrogged the reigning LaLiga champions into fourth.

It didn’t take him long to mark his return, beating Mario Hermoso on the right flank before finding Gavi’s head with a pinpoint cross as the hosts made it 2-0 after 21 minutes.

Traore was one of three attacking Premier League recruits Xavi added to his squad in January, along with Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Manchester City’s Ferran Torres.

And whilst he made an impressive start to his second stint in Spain, he struggled to impress now-pundit D’Alessandro.

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After the game, he aimed a bizarre rant towards Traore, suggesting the explosive winger has little talent and dribbling ability and only has his strength.

He told El Chiringuito: “I didn’t see a superior Barca. Adama Traore, a player with a lot of strength, one on one; it was like a boxing match.

“Where is the talent? Where is the subtlety of dribbling? Where is the ability to dribble? Going through with just strength, but what kind of football is that? Football is strength? Football is details.

“I don’t like that. I see that as a soldier. I haven’t seen the Premier League. He’s a sub behind Trincao. You can keep Adama Traore.”

Despite D’Alessandro’s criticism, Xavi was impressed by Traore’s debut, particularly his decision-making.

“Adama is a very mature player. He knows when to face up, when to pass, and he’s chosen his moments well,” Xavi explained.

“Physically, he is an animal, a beast. He is a pure winger, and he will help us. He is a great signing for the team.

“Adama makes the difference. He has power, strength, he dribbles at opponents, and he’s solid in defence.”

After a dire start to the season, which led to Ronald Koeman’s sacking, Xavi will hope his reinforcements will help Barcelona end the campaign in a respectable fashion.

The Blaugrana are back in the top four, two points behind third-place Real Betis with a game in hand.

After their Champions League Group Stage elimination, Xavi’s side will also face Napoli in the Europa League Playoff Round.

And Barca’s new-look front three should provide supporters with confidence they can add the trophy to their illustrious cabinet in May.

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