Three reasons why Xavi wanted to sign Adama Traore for Barcelona

Before the winter transfer window swung open, Barcelona fans were aware of some of the demands Xavi had to bolster his team. He got Ferran Torres very early in January and wanted the club to sign another winger to add depth to the wings.

Halfway through the month, Barcelona were linked with Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Adama Traore. Known for his unparalleled pace and close control, the Spaniard is a La Masia graduate and was leaning towards a return over a Premier League switch with Tottenham Hotspur linked.

Barcelona sealed his signing on a six-month loan with an optional purchase of €30 million. While Xavi is probably delighted the transfer went through, the fans of the Blaugrana are left scratching their head. Surely these resources could have been redirected at signing a defender, or maybe even a striker?

There are three main reasons why Traore was signed, though.

Replacement for Dembele who fits the system

It is becoming increasingly clear that Ousmane Dembele is no longer a part of the Barcelona team. He refused to extend his contract with the club, demanding a genuinely bizarre €40 million in annual salary. There is a chance that even if he does not leave in January, he would be sent to the stands for the rest of the season.

As such, Barça are now a man short in the frontline. Traore is not only an excellent short-term replacement for Dembele on the right-wing, he fits the bill as a player who has trained at La Masia.

While he’s developed a majority of his game at Wolverhampton Wanderers, the Spaniard does understand the basics of the Barcelone system and combines very well with strikers and central midfielders.

A funnel to reach the final-third

Traore is known for his ability to carry the ball at very high speed into the final third, even though his output has been far from ideal recently.

Purely from a statistical standpoint, the Wolves winger averages 9.75 progressive carries in a game, putting him in the 94th percentile vs players in the same or similar position.

Further, his progressive carrying distance per 90 means out at 190+ yards, which is in the 97th percentile. He also averages 2.84 carries into the final third and 2.26 carries into the penalty area per 90, which slots him in the 87th and 95th percentile, respectively.

Not a fullback on the planet who can stop him with the ball in his feet.

The dribbler that Xavi needs

Before he even came to the club, it was clear that Xavi wanted touchline wingers in his team; players who received the ball very wide and are not afraid of taking on their marker at any time.

Traore fits these demands like a glove. While his carry numbers are superb, he is also excellent at facing players 1v1.

For context, Traore sits in the 99th percentile for dribbles attempted (7.06), dribbles completed (5.10), and players dribbled past (5.50) per 90. He falls just below the 99th, into the 98th percentile for successful dribbles percentage, with 72.2%.

Not to forget, he is dispossessed 3.09 times per 90, putting him at a mighty impressive 6th percentile.