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| Adama Traore came off with an ankle injury in the League Cup victory over Notts County |
ASTON VILLA manager Tim Sherwood has warned Adama Traore his sensational start to life in England has already made him a marked man.
The former Barcelona player, 19, has already scored twice in two games for his new club but went off with an ankle injury in the 5-3 win over Notts County on Tuesday.
Sherwood believes the only way of stopping the pace of Traore is by fouling him.
"He got kicked and it looks like that is the only way anyone will be able to stop him at the moment," said Sherwood. "He's a marked man and must get used to it.
"It does not look good at the moment. He took a heavy knock from a bad tackle.
"He's a real talent. You don't want to play with him and you don't want to play against him.
"He needs to mix his game up because he should not give people the opportunity to kick him. The only way to stop him in full flow is to bring him down and he needs to be protected. He's a strong robust guy with a big heart.
"He will be an excellent signing and it is up to me to nurture him. I know him more than anyone, I know what his capabilities are. I know his strengths and weaknesses and we're now trying to iron out the weaknesses."
In addition to Traore, Jack Grealish also excelled, as did Scott Sinclair who scored a hat-trick. Now Sherwood admits Gabby Agbonlahor's place in the side is not safe.
"Everyone's position is under threat," he said. "If players put in performances I will consider everyone and that includes the kids."
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