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Adama Traore has two choices: perform like Lionel Messi or learn how to play in a team.

That’s the message from Aston Villa boss Remi Garde who reckons the exciting winger is focusing too much on his individual threat.

“He is inconsistent in his game,” said the manager,

“You cannot have a player except for maybe Messi who can walk on the pitch and only play when his team has the ball. Nobody can do that.”

Adama, who rubbed shoulders with the Argentinian superstar at Barcelona, has shown his explosive talent on brief bursts this season.

The 19-year-old also posts clips of his skills online but Garde knows he can’t single-handedly change Villa’s fortunes.

“I saw the first training session and watched a lot of Adama’s videos on what he has done previously,” he said.

“He is very gifted, I know that. He has some brilliant skill and is tremendous on dribbling but it’s a small part of the game.

“How long do you hold the ball, one minute 30, two minutes? Then what are you doing for 88 minutes?

“If you are not doing well especially in the situation where we are, it’s quite a problem. We need hard workers.

“I don’t mean Adama is not a hardworker but he is young and inconsistent and he needs to work.

“When you look at him coming in against Arsenal the first action he did was brilliant but then I am looking overall.

“I have to keep the balance of the team. Adama needs to work like every player.”

poll loading Which of these Aston Villa attackers will finish with the most goals this season? 1000+ VOTES SO FAR Gabby Agbonlahor Jordan Ayew Rudy Gestede Carles Gil Jack Grealish Libor Kozak Charles N'Zogbia Scott Sinclair Adama Traore

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