Adama Traore has been banned from lifting weights at West Ham’s training ground with Nuno Espirito Santo warning his winger that he does not need any more muscle.
Traore joined West Ham from Fulham during the January transfer window, reuniting him with Nuno after previously working together at Wolves.
The 30-year-old, capped eight times by Spain, has been told, though, to be careful in the gym to avoid putting on too much muscular mass.
“It’s incredible [his physique], it’s genetics. [But] his genetics has been like this for some time now and he should avoid the gym,” said Nuno as West Ham prepare to take on Fulham in the Premier League on Wednesday night.
“I’ve told him to stay out of the gym. It’s one of the things that I think he needs to realise. It’s enough weight that he carries. He’ll do prevention work [in the gym], but he’s not in there lifting weights.
“For example, [Under-21s defender] Airidas Golambeckis, he spends hours in the gym – we have to get weight on him. He’s the one that needs some muscle, it’s the other way around.”
Traore was signed to aid West Ham’s battle against relegation but has been limited to appearances off the bench in the league so far, making his sole start for the club in an FA Cup win over Burton Albion.
Nuno knows well the qualities that the Spaniard can offer, though, and says opportunities are on the way.
“Traore’s unique,” Nuno underlined. “There are not many players in world football with his ability, pace and skills in one v one situations.
“He’s a talent that we have to take advantage of, but it will take time. He has to adapt and understand the dynamic of the team. But he’s proven in England and in the Spain squad not long ago, so we’re talking about a high-level player.”
