Credit: Imago

Declan Carr

Sun 5 April 2026 20:10, UK

Adama Traore had Clinton Morrison wanting more in West Ham United‘s penalty shootout loss in the FA Cup against Leeds United on Sunday.

Traore notched his only goal contribution for the Hammers in the last round of the competition against Brentford.

His performances have been underwhelming, and an early moment in this clash made it seem like it would be a familiar story.

He found Jarrod Bowen after beating Pascal Struijk, but he did not follow and put himself in a position to capitalise in the 13th minute of proceedings at the London Stadium on 5 April.

West Ham fans have not seen the best of Traore yet, and he needs to step up in the final few weeks of the campaign.

What did Morrison say about West Ham star Traore?

Traore signed a one-year deal with West Ham, with the option to extend, but he will have to earn it by showing that he is still at the required level.

Former Premier League striker, Morrison, wanted more from the Hammers star in that moment, and he aired his feelings on the matter live on air.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, he said: “When Adama Traore gets it, he brushes past Struijk like he’s not there.

“One thing I will say is that after he’s laid it off, he has to make the run in there.

“That’s why he can be so frustrating.”

How Traore turned it around vs Leeds

Luckily, the former Fulham man turned in around, and he was one of the Irons’ better players in the clash as they mounted a sensational comeback.

Traore recorded a total of six key passes and notched an assist for Disasi’s equaliser, per Sofascore.

He had 29 carries in the contest, with six of them being progressive, for a total distance of 280m, constantly trying to take the ball forward and make something happen.

The veteran winger also held his own defensively, making two tackles, three clearances and four recoveries.

Nuno and his side need to have this version of Traore going forward, if they are to have any chance of survival at the end of the season.

He may well earn himself that extra year, and secure adoration from Irons supporters, if he can make the difference in the relegation scrap and help keep the Hammers up.

Hopefully, Nuno has unlocked how to get the best out of him when it matters most, and he will not continue to frustrate Morrison and the fanbase in E20 for the foreseeable future.