Fantasy analysis of Adama Traoré. Fit, competition and recommendation
The Deportivo have signed Adama Traoré to add power, speed and direct running to their attack. We look at where Antonio Hidalgo can use him, how his arrival will affect David Mella, and what we can expect from the new signing in fantasy terms.
Real Club Deportivo de A Coruña
The Deportivo de La Coruña have landed one of the biggest blows of the transfer market with the arrival of Adama Traoré. The Spanish international, aged 30, joins on a free transfer after finishing his spell at the West Ham and has signed a contract until June 2028, as confirmed by the Coruña club.
After a long career in England, where he played 271 Premier League matches, Adama returns to Spanish football to be part of a Deportivo that was looking for a game-changing player for their right flank.
The right wing, his most likely position
Adama Traoré2.780.000€-40.000€ ?
MDAdama Traorés natural position is that of right winger. From there, he can receive the ball in space, take on the opposing full-back and use his immense power to get to the byline. His ability to break games through carries and one-on-one situations gives Deportivo a type of option that was not common in the squad.
If Antonio Hidalgo goes with a system with three forwards, the most eye-catching attacking front would feature Yeremay Hernández on the left, Aubameyang as the centre-forward and Adama Traoré on the right. A forward line with speed, experience and the ability to cause damage both in open space and in more positional attacks.
Adama could also play as a second striker starting from one side, or even as right wing-back in a system with three centre-backs, a role he already carried out during some spells in England. However, his best version shows up when he receives close to the opponent’s box and doesn’t have too many defensive responsibilities.
What will happen to David Mella?
Mella1.070.000€-80.000€ ?
MDAdama’s arrival significantly increases the competition for David Mella. The academy product had been one of the main options to occupy the right wing, but now he will have to share minutes with a player with a great deal of international experience.
This doesn’t mean that Mella will disappear from Antonio Hidalgo’s plans. The young forward can play on both flanks, operate in more central positions and take advantage of Adama’s physical wear. In addition, the new signing has not always stood out for consistency or for being able to maintain the same intensity throughout the full ninety minutes.
It’s likely that, at least during the first few weeks, Hidalgo will split the minutes between the two. Adama needs to adapt to the team and regain competitive rhythm, so he could start with more of a role from the bench before settling into the starting XI.
A powerful signing, but with a few doubts
Adama’s main value isn’t in his goal numbers. His best qualities are speed, direct running and the ability to drive forward many yards with the ball. He could be especially important in matches where Deportivo need to defend deeper and attack through quick transitions.
His presence could also benefit Aubameyang. Adama draws in opponents, creates advantages and can deliver crosses or passes into dangerous areas. The Gabonese forward could find more space thanks to the winger’s breaks.
The big unknown will be his attacking output. Despite racking up 271 appearances in the Premier League, his record is 14 goals and 27 assists. Those are modest numbers for a forward with extraordinary physical attributes. You’ll also need to check his consistency and his physical condition after a last season in which he played 28 matches between Fulham and West Ham.
Comuniate’s fantasy recommendation
Adama Traoré is an interesting bet, but he shouldn’t be bought at first as a major fantasy star. He has the ability to rack up very high points when he completes lots of dribbles or is involved in goals, although he can also produce low-impact performances if he isn’t accurate with the final pass.
His signing has generated excitement and could lead to a significant rise in value during the first few days. We recommend adding him if he appears at a reasonable price, especially as a market investment, but avoiding excessive bids until you’ve confirmed the system chosen by Hidalgo and the minutes distribution with Mella.
Under normal circumstances, Adama should end up earning an important role on the right wing. If he improves his decision-making and connects with Aubameyang, he could become one of Deportivo’s most game-changing players. It doesn’t look like a signing made only to fill out the squad: he arrives to compete for a starting spot and change matches.
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