Feyenoord goalkeeper Gernot Trauner has named former Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham as one of the best opponents he’s come up against.
Speaking ahead of the Europa League Conference final, Trauner had some kind words to say about the man he will be trying to stop this evening.
Mourinho’s moment to shine
Abraham is set to lead the line for Roma tonight in what is arguably the club’s most important match in their recent history.
Jose Mourinho’s employers have not received a trophy of any kind since 2008 when they won the Coppa Italia.
Roma’s triumph in European competitions stretches even further back to the 1972 Anglo-Italian Cup, which included just English and Italian teams.
And whilst it’s not quite the Champions League or Europa League, today’s showpiece event should not be sneered at.
Mourinho’s men had to move aside some noticeable names to reach the final.
They defeated Vitesse in the round of 16, before overcoming Leicester City in the semi-final.
The Serie A side edged past the Foxes thanks to a goal from their top scorer in the second-leg.
Trauner talks up Tammy Abraham
Abraham added another to his tally in Rome, taking his number at the time up to 25, before bagging a brace on the final day of the domestic campaign.
He has one last chance to pull closer or even exceed the 30-goal mark, with Feyenoord standing in his way of doing so.
More specifically, Trauner will be tasked with keeping the 24-year-old at bay, a mission he expects could be a tricky one.
“I know that he’s a really good player. He is physically strong, he has a good technique and he knows how to score goals,” said the Austrian ‘keeper.
“I think he is one of the key players for Roma. He is probably one of the best players I’ve faced so far.”
Trauner could ask for tips from his fellow gloved guardians, but not may have managed to stop Abraham from rippling their net this term.
However, if he halts Roma’s number nine, then Feyenoord’s chances of winning silverware will improve dramatically.
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