West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo has revealed how new signing Adama Traore's unconventional pre-match ritual could prove to be the secret weapon in the club's battle against Premier League relegation. The Portuguese boss has detailed how the Spanish winger's habit of applying baby oil to his arms before games could give the struggling Hammers a crucial advantage in their fight for survival.
The Greased Lightning Effect
Traore, who joined West Ham from Fulham this week in a January transfer window move, is set to make his debut against Chelsea this weekend. Espirito Santo, who previously managed the 30-year-old at Wolves where he signed him for £18 million in 2018, has witnessed firsthand the effectiveness of Traore's unique preparation method.
The ritual began as a protective measure after Traore suffered multiple shoulder dislocations, but it has evolved into a tactical advantage that makes him exceptionally difficult for defenders to handle. As one of the fastest players in the Premier League, the baby oil application means opponents literally cannot get a grip on him during matches.
A Tactical Innovation
Espirito Santo explained the origins and benefits of this unusual approach in detail. "He does it to stop people from holding him," the West Ham manager stated. "It makes sense, it makes sense. I think it came from an injury that he had, someone who held him really bad. Someone pushed him and pulled him really hard and dislocated his shoulder."
The manager believes the idea originated from a physiotherapist's recommendation and has developed into a legitimate tactical advantage. "I'm not quite sure, but I think it came from a physio, and it made a lot of sense," Espirito Santo added, highlighting how this simple solution has created a significant on-field benefit.
West Ham's Relegation Battle
The Hammers currently sit in 18th position in the Premier League table, five points from safety with just 15 matches remaining in the season. The club has won their last two league games but faces a challenging run-in without departed playmaker Lucas Paqueta, making Traore's arrival particularly timely.
Espirito Santo has even joked about extending the baby oil treatment to other West Ham attackers. When asked if the club would be ordering extra supplies for Traore, the manager smiled and responded: "Yeah, if that stops people from holding, maybe we have to give some to Jarrod and to Crysencio!" referring to forwards Jarrod Bowen and Crysensio Summerville.
Traore's Unique Qualities
The Spanish winger, who made just two Premier League starts for Fulham this season, brings distinctive attributes that Espirito Santo believes can transform West Ham's attacking threat. "I've worked with him for many years, and I know him well," the manager explained. "He's unique - there aren't many players with his ability one-on-one, or with his pace."
Espirito Santo emphasized Traore's potential impact both on and off the pitch. "I think he's going to give us many things that we need. He possesses great threat, and he has great energy, not only on the pitch, but in the dressing room and at the training ground too. He's a special person to have around."
Broader Team Impact
The West Ham manager believes Traore's arrival as the club's fourth January signing could have positive ripple effects throughout the squad, particularly benefiting fellow forward Jarrod Bowen. The England international is attempting to secure a place in the World Cup squad while simultaneously helping West Ham avoid the drop.
"The work that he's putting in every minute of the game is extraordinary," Espirito Santo said of Bowen. "We are aware that he has his personal objective, to go to the World Cup, which I think should and must happen because he's a fantastic player."
With Traore's ability to draw defenders and create space, Espirito Santo hopes his new signing will help unlock Bowen's full potential during the crucial final months of the season. The manager's endorsement of Traore's unusual preparation method underscores his belief that every possible advantage must be exploited in West Ham's desperate fight for Premier League survival.
