It was about 10 months ago that we really saw Armand Traore exposed at left back as Dani Alves [now of Barcelona] and Jesus Nevas ran riot in the Champions League game. His positioning was awful and it seemed that only his pace could bail him out of situations he put himself in. After a positive attacking performance but a wild defensive one, many people thought Traore could really thrive on the wing, and how they were correct.
He played the final few Premier League games on the wing last season and did pretty well, providing a superb cross for Nicky B in the penultimate game of the season against Everton. Pre-season started and unfortunately injury prevented him playing in most games, but there were a couple of positive performances including a burst of pace and cross which set up Jack Wilshere against Burgenland XI in July.
Now fully settled in at Portsmouth, it seems that he’s getting better and better as each game progresses, already bagging a couple of assists aswell as being unlucky not to score on a couple of occasions himself. Traore said earlier how delighted he was with life at Portsmouth, and how he’s progressing as a player.
”I am enjoying it a lot because I am playing in lots of games. That’s what I came for. Most of all, I am definitely improving as a player. I have learned how to play in different situations, things like simple passing, control and my awareness. My game in these areas has improved, definitely. I’m happy. I get on very well with everyone and I am getting the experience and that is down to the manager. I thank him for that.”
I remember being pretty amazed when he made his debut at Dennis Bergkamp’s Testimonial in 2006 when as a raw 16 year old, he was bombing up and down the wing as well as making several important tackles. He kicked on made a number of appearances in the Carling Cup team, including a start in the Final. But it wasn’t until last season when he really kicked on and started making starts in the Champions League and Premier League, impressing in the final 3 games, in which he started 2, and he still feels there’s more to come.
”I think it’s an excellent team. We have great players in each position. We have a great bench – people who come on and make a difference like Nadir did against Vitoria for the second goal. A great team. For me this is only the beginning. I haven’t played 10 games yet and I think there’s more to come.”
With Tomas Rosicky unfit still and Samir Nasri the only real option on the left hand side, Armand Traore has a real chance to secure himself as a back up left back and left winger next season, hopefully he’llkeep improving and soon enough, one of his long range rockets will pop up at Fratton Park, Happy 19th Birthday Armand!
Also, if you check Jack Wilshere’s Facebook page (yes, I stalk Arsenal players), he recently joined the group ‘Spurs for Relegation 08/09′, good lad!
Hi Ell. Not everyone will agree on this issue but I will say is that we have lost two games and drawn once. Yes they were lucky goals that we conceded but never did the other teams look out of the game. We would have shut the game out last year.
The strikers have their part to play by scoring but in as the saying goes, ‘defense is best form of offense.’
The other teams we beat were really poor and we capitalised. The balance is not quite there yet. I know we wont agree but just a thought.
I like deni but
By: The Brain on October 9, 2008
at 11:20 am
Unfortunately I believe Rosicky is finished for us .. He is more likely to get fit temporarily and be sold for a loss by next summer .. I either see him back in germany, or his home country ,or somewhere in south-west europe (Turkey, Greece).
Our left flank has been vacant since Pires moved on, welcoming Troare back next season is going to be very positive to be Nasri’s understudy. I do hope he still gets involved with Clichy’s cover as we still dont have any real cover at left back.
With so many suspected transfers and releases (starting with Ade) next summer to becon another year of “transition”, Traore’s experience at Pompey is going to be handy in covering the tricky vacancies on the left.
Let’s face it, Diaby is becoming the new Rosicky, and he was not that prolific and very predictable playing on the left flank.
Jack on the other hand is definitely for the future, i predict Wenger bringing him through the ranks as he did with Walcott, which means another 2 years of rare appearances to be deployed behind a main striker once RVP or Dudu moves on.
By: R3DD3R on October 10, 2008
at 1:04 pm
sorry .. south-east europe .. not south-west ! ..
By: R3DD3R on October 10, 2008
at 1:05 pm
Haha, the Wilshere facebook thing is a great one!!!!! haha..dude you just made my fuckin day. can i get the link for it?
Click here
By: Jabawalkeez on October 12, 2008
at 12:33 pm