Why Nuno’s Move for Adama Traoré Won’t Solve West Ham’s Problems
When Nuno Espírito Santo, former Wolves manager, was linked with a potential January move for Adama Traoré to West Ham, many fans were quick to debate whether the Spanish winger could provide the solution to the club’s struggles. On the surface, Traoré’s blistering pace, strength, and dribbling abilities make him an attractive option for any team looking to add dynamism to their attack. However, there are deeper concerns about whether he would truly fix what is wrong at West Ham, and whether it would be the right decision for a club whose issues run far beyond a lack of speed or flair out wide.
West Ham’s main issue this season has not been the lack of creativity or wide players but rather the inconsistency of their overall team structure and inability to maintain a solid defensive foundation. Under David Moyes, the club initially enjoyed success by playing compact, well-organized football with a clear system. But this has begun to unravel, with West Ham struggling in several areas that cannot simply be resolved by one player, no matter how talented.
Adama Traoré’s Strengths – But Also Limitations
Traoré undoubtedly offers raw talent that can unsettle defences with his powerful runs and physicality. His pace is frightening, and he can be a nightmare for defenders when he’s running at them. In the Premier League, we’ve seen glimpses of his potential to change games, particularly when he’s at his best, causing chaos on the wing. However, these moments are often sporadic, and his end product leaves much to be desired.
In terms of goals and assists, Traoré has underwhelmed throughout his career. Despite his incredible dribbling, he struggles with consistency in terms of crossing and final ball delivery. West Ham, currently struggling with their forward line, would need someone who can not only carry the ball but also create clear goal-scoring opportunities. Traoré has not proven himself to be that kind of player on a consistent basis, and relying on him as a key solution for West Ham’s attack would be risky.
West Ham’s Deeper Problems
The club’s primary issue lies not only in attack but in the balance of their squad. Even though West Ham has a solid midfield core and has invested in quality players like Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio, the team’s inability to maintain a defensive structure has been damaging. The Hammers have conceded far too many goals from set-pieces and open play due to a lack of defensive cohesion. Adding another attacking player like Traoré may inject energy, but it does little to solve the gaping holes in their backline.
In fact, Nuno Espírito Santo himself faced similar dilemmas at Wolves. While Traoré enjoyed standout individual performances, his lack of a consistent end product meant Wolves were often left frustrated when they could not convert dominance into goals. Signing Traoré might momentarily add a spark to West Ham’s attack, but without defensive stability and a clear system in place, his contributions may quickly become irrelevant.
A More Comprehensive Solution is Needed
What West Ham need is not another raw winger but a well-rounded tactical overhaul that addresses their defensive frailties while maintaining the attacking flair they already have. The team’s midfield, led by Declan Rice, has the capability to control matches, but the defensive partnerships need strengthening, and more importantly, Moyes needs to instill confidence in his backline.
Rather than signing Traoré, West Ham would be better served by focusing on a more balanced approach, perhaps investing in a solid central defender, improving their width through more consistent full-back play, and working on more fluid attacking patterns. These changes would offer more long-term sustainability, whereas the acquisition of Traoré would be a short-term fix for an issue that requires a much more thoughtful and systemic solution.
In conclusion, while Adama Traoré may look like a tempting option for West Ham’s attack, signing him in January is unlikely to address the club’s core issues. West Ham’s problems are far more intricate, and a more strategic overhaul is needed to restore them to the competitive level their fans expect. Simply adding pace without fixing the underlying tactical issues would be a mistake for a club that needs more than just individual brilliance.
