@parklane1 @billyiddo the narrative has evolved slightly. Previously (and I looked it up at HT during the game) it was 'Traore has got no footballing ability' he just fast, may as well sign Usain Bolt. Now people acknowledge talent, but to save face, use the cliche 'there's no end product'.
Which is absolutely true. He has not delivered much. But he has developed. He was and is unplayable at times - against us he was delivering good crosses - and he beats full backs with consumate ease. I never thought he was a perfect player, far from it, I thought he was a good value player who Poch would develop. Just the sort of player Pochettino could transform and he'd be a far better option than GKN. The
raw ability has always been there. If someone can help him develop - and at 23 there is time - he can be a potent player. He also fit something Poch was asking for at the time - a player to "punch through" a defence. We missed out on Mane, tried for Zaha, and while Traore is more GKN than anywhere close to Mane and Zaha, he has the physical and technical potential, if that can be combined with hard work, guidance and application he might become someone. Against us the other day he was sintilating, no one could get the ball off him. That takes skill, as well as pace and power.