Headliners Adama Traoré

Here come the Headliners; and with a small twist from last year’s promo with a one-time upgrade after four domestic wins. There was a nice list of options this time around but we decided to go with a small twist ourselves looking at the SBC option in Adama Traoré.  The immediate question would be, why?  Of course, Scream Traoré sits as a direct comparison, at a similar price and of course will be tradeable.  However, the allure of the statistic boosts Adama did receive were too enticing not to take a look, and then, of course, the potential for a boost is worth discussing.  With that, I applied a DEADEYE chemistry style for the shooting and passing upgrades, placed Traoré in the right CAM of my 4-2-3-1, and jumped straight into the Weekend League action.  Traoré was the steam engine in the following squad:

Overall

Rating: 9.3/10
Pace Rating: 10/10
Dribbling Rating: 9.5/10
Shooting Rating: 8.5/10
Passing Rating: 8.5/10
Physical Rating: 9.5/10
Defending Rating: N/A

After only two matches I was starting to feel there was a serious problem in my squad.  As you will notice I was fortunate enough to receive a red Sergio Agüero in my player picks (review to come) and slotted the Argentine in as my ST.  For me, he just didn’t have the pace to open up my opponent's backline and I had to make an immediate shift, which saw Agüero end up in the CAM position and Traoré himself as my ST for the weekend.  In the end, I couldn’t be happier with my decision, yes Traoré has his own issues as a ST, but overall he performed admirably.  Knowing Traoré would be a right CAM I had already prepared an explanation why his performance numbers would be low after 20 matches; and in two matches on the wing Adama managed 1 assist and caused my opponent's endless headaches.  But, the switch changed everything and Traoré blistered forward with an impressive 25 goals and 12 assists in his last 18 matches.
    

Linkability & Current Game Strength 

Linkability Rating: 3/5
Current Game Strength Rating: 5/5

What a nightmare Traoré is going to cause me in the future, because now I am sold.  I need him on the right CAM in future squads and I am at a loss how I will pull it off.  Of course, if the review is EPL based it will be fine, but outside of that it is going to be a stretch.  There are currently zero Wolves players getting into my squad to help with links; and currently Butragueño is the only Spanish player I would take as well. Having already reviewed the Vulture it is unlikely he is coming back either, so unfortunately there will be weekends where I am forced to bring Traoré off of the bench.
Okay, we haven’t spent enough time talking about this cards many talents.  99 ACCELERATION & 99 SPRINT SPEED sounds good and performs even better.  I have not yet reviewed or used a player that feels noticeably faster than those that should be slower than him, until now.  This was especially evident against opponents who opt to run CDMs back as opposed to controlling their defenders.  It was enjoyable to see the likes of TOTY Kante (yes, even Kante) trying desperately to lay a hand on Adama as his rocket boosters took off in their face.  Then you have the 91 STRENGTH, and in my immediate ratings, I actually had Traoré at a perfect 10/10 for physical.  It is ridiculous the power that you feel when using this card as Adama brushes aside yet another defender.  But the 82 STAMINA is just holding him back that little bit as a starter in your squad; as a right CAM, he just couldn’t last the entire match.  As a sub, I am sticking with a perfect 10/10.  Finally, the passing was a welcome addition as Traoré received +2 boosts in every category and was a huge improvement from his Scream option.

Value/Coins & Good vs. Bad

Value/Coins Rating: 5/5
Good vs Bad Rating: 4.5/5

225k is what Traoré will set you back (of course you might have cards to use, but those could be used elsewhere). Compared to the 180k that the Scream has fallen I think it is a fair increase.  The +2 dribbling, passing, and physical boosts were all needed and noticed throughout the review.  

I wanted to spend the Good vs Bad focused on Traoré’s shooting.  Of course, he did not receive a single increase from the Scream version, which would have made the SBC a no brainer.  So we look at the good; with DEADEYE applied 92 FINISHING more than did the job and of course, the goal totals are there to back it up.  99 SHOT POWER comes as advertised as Traoré tried to destroy the goal all weekend long.  But the elephant in the room has to come out at some point, 2 STAR WEAK FOOT (please January upgrades, PLEASE!).  It is a complete menace there is no doubt.  You will note in the video that I did score some impressive goals on the left side, but the video does not include the 3 – 4 chances that went out for throw-ins, and the numerous chances I felt could have been better struck and were saved.  Despite the endless strengths that Adama has in his locker, I still have to go with the 4.5/5, it was that off-putting.

Closing Words

This has been extensive so let’s wrap it up quick… should you complete the SBC? Traoré has been a man in form and honestly another inform just feels like it is one game away, but when will that game come?  Next up is Liverpool and although Wolves have been giant killers this year you would expect a loss, which would also reset their previous win.  After that is Leicester and Manchester United and any two goal performance (easily possible) would see this card increase, but unlikely again that Wolves win both.  Realistically I am looking at March; Wolves play Brighton, West Ham, Bournemouth, and then Villa on the spin April 4.  If we are playing the odds this is the best chance of seeing Adama get an inform and also the four game win boost.  So I wouldn’t complete this SBC if you are not immediately happy with what you see and what this review has to offer.  As for me, I am quite happy I completed Traoré and if Adama stays an 85 for the rest of FUT I still prefer him to the Scream Version, he will start numerous matches for me, and as a super-sub he is lethal.  He gets a thumbs up from me. Cheers for reading. 
 

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