Sunderland star who ‘convinced’ Unai Emery can come back to haunt Aston Villa
Sunderland welcome Aston Villa to the Stadium of Light this Sunday in the Premier League.
Regis Le Bris’ side are overwhelming underdogs against Villa, even though the West Midlands club are yet to score a league goal.
If Sunderland beat Villa, then it will be the first time that they have won their opening three home games of a Premier League season.
To claim a famous victory, they may call upon a player who was given significant praise by Unai Emery.
Unai Emery was a big admirer of Bertrand Traore at Aston Villa
Sunderland signed Bertrand Traore on deadline day amid a rush to land attacking players.
Since his arrival, the winger has yet to feature, but was an unused substitute against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
However, he now has the perfect chance to make an impact against his former club, Aston Villa, where he spent three and a half years.
- Traore made 62 appearances for the West Midlands side
- He scored 10 goals
- The winger made seven assists
Despite being loaned out during his stint at Villa Park, Emery was always a believer in his talent.
“I thought he would have been an important player here, but circumstances meant he left on loan last summer,” he said via BBC Sport in 2023.
“We were analysing some players to see if they are better than we have, but I am so convinced about his quality and how much he can help us until the end of the season.”
Bertrand Traore can be super sub for Sunderland
While the 30-year-old will be itching to land a blow against his former side, he will almost certainly start on the bench.
If Chemsdine Talbi, Simon Adingra, and Enzo Le Fee are all fit, then they will surely be ahead of the winger.
However, if Sunderland are seeking a goal in the second half, then Le Bris will be more than tempted to give Traore a chance.
The Burkina Faso international contributed 16 goal contributions in all competitions last season, including 11 in the Eredivisie.
It is needless to say that players often come back to reap revenge on their former employer as they have extra motivation.
In what could be a very tight game on Wearside, Traore could be Le Bris’ ace to bag all three points.
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