We have to keep looking for players with potential. Traore was top scorer in one of the Scandinavian leagues, and many would say he'd done more at that level than Slimane and Ahmedhodzic, although of course the latter had a spell in France (getting relegated).
At the time of his signing we had three tall strikers in McBurnie, Jebbison and Osula with a pacey finisher in Archer also on the way in, and then Brewster, also a central striker. I think we must also have looked at the top scorer in Norway at the time, Akor Adams, a power house of a centre forward. They both scored goals, but I think we saw that Traore, long term, looked more likely to offer something to the existing options up front. Traore, while smaller and maybe not proven over a long period, had more technical ability, was nippier, and scored more with his feet. He'd also figured more in wide positions, so we probably thought he could be used in different roles.
But at the start of the season McBurnie, Brewster and Jebbison were unavailable. The ball didn't stick up front, we struggled to get the ball and when we did, passed it backwards a lot and. It wasn't a great environment for Traore to adapt in, let alone impress in. His lack of physicality may have showed more, when the team in general was poor in that respect.
So how bad was he, in those three matches he started? How much worse was he, compared to the other players? I don't have a great memory, but using S24SU's wealth of knowledge and expertise, the match ratings showed:
- Palace - 4th best rating (6,62)
- Forest - 4th best rating (6,53)
- Man City - 6th best rating (7,27)
He's been a sub after that.
Less disastrous, compared to the others after all? Higher scores, than the likes of AA, Egan and JR in all games? Surprised me too.
Wilder's back now and he's got to do something to achieve improvement. Judging by the rumours he may be wanting to add more strength and experience. It may well be a good idea. Traore's not match fit, probably low on confidence and we know little in general how he's settled on a personal level. A change of scenery may do him good. The team may benefit from different attributes than those Traore can offer at the moment. But I maintain we have to assess and consider players doing well in other leagues. It is too expensive to always wait for players' break through season in a top league.
Are players who don't get to play often written off? We don't always know the reasons for players not figuring. Whether it's injuries, not fitting into the style, a team mate doing well in that position, attributes not complementing those of another player, personal stuff... I sometimes feel the absence, in itself, affects how the player is perceived by fans. Not many are really, REALLY looking forward to the return of Jebbison, and I'm not sure it (lack of expectancy) is exclusively based on his performances, and the promise he showed prior to his current illness/injury.