The speedster, who has withdrawn from the Spain squad due to injury after receiving an international call up last week, was a vital cog in the team’s performance on Sunday afternoon, winning the free-kick which led to Ruben Neves’ opener before teeing up Raul Jimenez to secure the three points.
Traore thought he had extended Wolves lead when they were just one goal to the good, but his powerful effort flew just inches too high as it rattled the crossbar.
On overcoming his former side
“I’m happy, not only for me, because all the team did a great job. We did have a couple of draws in the league games, but we’ve been working so hard during the week in training, and don’t forget, we did have three games in eight days.
“I think the whole team, not only the players, but the staff and the managers – how they prepare the game, how they do their recovery after each game – they’ve been working so hard. We know if the work is there and we keep pushing, the results will come like today.
“We are very happy because it’s been a tough, tough week. I think all the team were great and the fans as well, they really supported us.
“I’m happy to win against my ex-team, Villa are a good team, but whatever is the game, whatever is the moment, the team fights until the end.”
On a derby atmosphere at Molineux
“We know it will be a great atmosphere, especially in a derby, and we know the fans are always there whatever is the game, so they act as an extra player for us.”
On hitting the crossbar
“I was thinking it was going in, to be honest. I was thinking it was going in, but finally it didn’t go in. However, the important thing is to keep working, keep pushing and next time it will go in.”
On international future
“I’m happy because the country where I was born, they trust me, and they call me to be there. But I’m focused on working every day to be my best.”
