Newcastle star Jetro Willems heaps praise on Wolves sensation Adama Traore

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Newcastle produced a very solid display to steal a point against Wolverhampton Wanderers away from home, and Jetro Willems has been quoted by the Northern Echo as saying it is easier to defend against Cristiano Ronaldo – than it is Adama Traore.

On-loan defender Willems has impressed at Newcastle since joining the club on a season’s temporary deal from Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt – clocking up 19 appearances for The Toon and scoring against Liverpool and Manchester City.

On Saturday, Netherlands international Willems was tasked with marking one of the breakthrough Premier League talents of the season in Traore – renowned for his incredible strength and pace. Willems spoke of his ordeal after the 1-1 draw.

He claimed that having faced Cristiano Ronaldo for his country in just his fifth Netherlands appearance back in 2012 was “easier” than taking on a player like Traore, given the latter’s extroadinary speed on the ball.

“I have played against some very good players in my career, but no one quite as fast as Traore,” Willems said. “He is unbelievable, definitely a beast. Not only is he incredibly fast, he is so, so strong as well.

“I have played against Ronaldo, who is fast, but not that fast. Of course, he is so skilful but sometimes that is easier than being up against someone with such incredible pace.”

TBR’s view – Will Traore remain at Wolves for much longer?

Traore has had a hand in 12 goals during his 32 appearances in all competitions this season – scoring four and creating four in 21 Premier League outings. Three of those goals came against Manchester City – the other against Tottenham.

The Sun claims he is worth £80million with the Premier League’s biggest clubs taking a look. But Traore, who came through the ranks at Barcelona, is hardly going to move in January. Wolves will do well to keep him in the summer, though.

With a contract until 2023, the ball is in Wolves’ court. Certainly, there will be offers in the summer but Traore owes Wolves and manager Nuno Espirito Santo for their continued faith in him – something which he is repaying this season.