This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
When West Ham United faced Wolverhampton Wanderers at home last season in September 2018, the score was 0-0 with just moments left.
That changed when Carlos Sanchez lost the ball to Ruben Neves, who slotted the ball through to Adama Traore, ready for the La Masia graduate to sprint through and fire the ball past Lukasz Fabianski.
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To blame Aaron Cresswell for this goal would be incredibly harsh, but his attempt to track the now-23-year-old, even trying to foul him, offers an indication of the challenge he will face when the two sides meet again on Wednesday evening.
The Hammers left-back has been in impressive form this term, especially in an attacking sense, having scored three goals in nine Premier League appearances – a tally that includes the winner away at Chelsea and a free-kick against Manchester United.
He has also been fairly sound defensively, averaging 2 tackles, 0.9 interceptions and 1.6 clearances per league match.
However, he will face a stern test against Traore, who has managed three goals and three assists across the Premier League and Europa League this campaign, while also completing 3.8 dribbles and 1.1 key passes per league game.
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The 23-year-old showed how devastating he can be with his brace against Manchester City, a performance that indicated how much attention Cresswell will have to pay the Spaniard.
Wolves have various threats throughout their team, but Cresswell being up against Traore could be the biggest problem the Hammers face.
In other news, one West Ham defender has really turned things around this season.