‘He’s built like a brick shithouse’
Coming up against Adama Traore is one of the most daunting prospects a Premier League defender can face. With his pace, tight ball control, agility and strength, he is one of the best dribblers in the division and strikes fear into every defender tasked with stopping him.
That said, he can go to ground easily at times, as Rob Holding was keen to point out during Arsenal’s loss to Wolves on Sunday evening.
As Traore attempted to dribble past the Arsenal centre-back, he tumbled to the ground, winning a free-kick just short of the half way line.
Holding, less than impressed with Traore’s loss of balance, voiced his concern to the referee, Michael Oliver, shouting: “He’s built like a brick shithouse, how’s he gone down like that?”
https://twitter.com/G00NERJ0N/status/1333156808542838785
With no fans in the stadium is was easy for television cameras to pick up his outburst, to the amusement of thousands watching at home.
I’m not sure there is a Spanish translation for ‘brick shithouse’, but it is one of the most accurate and complimentary ways to describe a man of Traore’s build, though it’s always worth acknowledging his supreme technical ability with the ball as well.
Speaking to JOE, Traore’s former teammate Jack Grealish said the Wolves man was the fastest player he’d ever seen.
On how to deal with Traore as an opponent, Grealish suggested blocking his path down the outside and showing him infield, as competing with his in a shoulder-to-shoulder foot race is pointless.
"80 is a bit harsh. I'm not that weak am I?"@JackGrealish reacts to his @EASPORTSFIFA #FIFA21 stats and names the fastest footballer he's ever seen. pic.twitter.com/YFyc9yiOCv
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) October 7, 2020
Wolves emerged 2-1 victors from that game against Arsenal, but the result was marred by Raul Jimenez suffering a fractured skull in a collision with David Luiz.
“Raul is comfortable following an operation last night, which he underwent in a London hospital,” Wolves said in a statement.
“He has since seen his partner Daniela and is now resting. He will remain under observation for a few days while he begins his recovery.
“The club would like to thank the medical staff at Arsenal, the NHS paramedics, hospital staff and surgeons who, through their skill and early response, were of such help.
“The club ask that Raul and his family are now afforded a period of space and privacy, before any further updates are provided in due course.”
