With the transfer window running to a close, there seems to be a battle brewing up for the international future of Wolves star, Adama Traore. The Wolves star has been a subject of international tussle between African giants, Mali and European heavyweights, Spain, the tussle looks set to continue.

Traore had been previously invited by Mali but shortly after accepting the invitation, he declined, opting to play for his country of birth which is Spain instead of his country of origin. The rule of international football is clear, you are permanently tied to a country once you have a cap for them which could come in a friendly or a competitive match as long as it is a FIFA recognized one.

The Spanish born winger would have made his debut for the La Fura Roja but owing to injuries, he could not and this has given the Eagles of Mali another chance to lure him to play for them. He has been included in their provisional list for October friendlies and it stands to be seen whether or not he would honor the call of his fatherland. 

It is not a surprise that Traore has huge preference for Spain, he was born there and has played all his footballing career in Europe; from Barcelona youth team to Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and Wolves. He had also previously represented Spain at youth team levels. Definitely, he feels at home in Red rather than White. He might have the African built but it looks like he has the European heart and it is the latter that influences decision more.

For his international career, opting to play for Spain might be counter productive. A route to a fulfilling international career could be with Mali since they have a dearth of super star players there. In there might be good players with a few stand out ones like Naby Kieta. Hence it would be easier to lay claim to a starting and regular berth in the side. This is very much unlike the Spanish team that has plethora of stars to choose from.

Traore might find caps difficult to get and even when he gets them, he might have to settle for positions that are not his favorite. Owing to his versatility, he can play as a winger, full back and even behind the striker in an attacking midfield position. For Mali, it is unlikely that he would be deployed in the unfancied defensive position as they would rather prey on his attacking abilities but in Spain, he might have to settle for that defensive position as the route into the side might be a tortuous one.

The joy of every player is to have a fulfilling career both at club and international level. Traore has started well on the former but to say the same of the latter, he needs to choose wisely.

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