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19-year old Aston Villa winger Adama Traore who completed his transfer to the Premier League this season says Lionel Messi taught him a lot during his time at the Camp Nou, according to Mirror. Barcelona sold the player for £7m to Aston Villa with a three-year buy-back clause.
Traore who is yet to make an appearance for the team was paraded around the pitch before they lost to Manchester United by one goal.
The youngster spoke about how he was fortunate to be on the same team as the four-time Ballon d’Or winner and praised the Argentine footballer for his professionalism.
Traore said, “What I have learned from my time at Barcelona is the invisible work that goes on off the pitch. It’s about the fine details. It’s about working hard, resting when you need to, leading a healthy life, having a support structure around you. These factors help you improve.
“The maximum example in terms of his path at the club is Lionel Messi. That is where you can clearly see how to be a great player. Talent is not enough - it’s about using it in the right way. He is the reference to how to become a real professional footballer.
“He works so hard at his game. He is humble - a very normal guy. That is something to admire and look up to.”
Traore eager to prove his worth
The teenager was unhappy with the fact that Sandro and Munir who were a year older were promoted to the first team ahead of him. He wanted to play in the starting XI- a reason which prompted him to move to Aston Villa rather than spend another year with the reserves.
Adama is the son of a pair of Malian immigrants who moved to L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, a municipality southwest of Barcelona. He joined La Masia at the very young age of eight, where he generally played against boys older than him due to his impressive physical strength and quality. He made his debut for Barcelona B team back in 2013.
The player blitzed through the opposition while playing for the secondary Catalan team, which piqued the interest of several Premier League sides. Stoke City’s manager Mark Hughes had offered the player a deal during the winter transfer last season, but the player refused due to his commitment to Barca B who were facing relegation at the time.
It is to be seen if the player can rise to become one of the best forwards in the Premier League under the guidance of Villa manager Tim Sherwood.
