Victor Orta has been credited with starting the rise of Adama Traore when he scouted him for transfer in 2016.
The Leeds United director of football was working with Middlesbrough alongside Aitor Karanka at the time.
The former Birmingham City and Nottingham Forest boss has been speaking about Traore after his recent move to Barcelona.
Karanka said he was first aware of the powerful winger when he was managing Spain’s under-16s between 2008 and 2010.
He credits Orta with bringing him to Teesside, where he flourished.
“I had known him for a long time,” he told Marca. “When I trained the under-16s, I had already followed him in case we had to call him up.
“He kept progressing and as soon as Víctor Orta suggested signing him, I was delighted.
“I spoke with him and I saw that, apart from that player everyone knows, there was a great boy behind him who always wanted to grow.
“I had no doubts, although at Middlesbrough they thought I was crazy, but time and Adama himself proved me right.
“He is always wanting to improve and it is easy to teach him. We spent a few hours on the video, because at the beginning the tactical issue was a bit difficult for him.
“There were times when things had to be corrected thanks to the video, but in others he surprised you because you explained things to him and he gave you the solution.
“He always tries to improve and if he doesn’t know something he asks. He’s a sponge, he listens and wants to learn.”
