Traore signed from fellow Premier League side Fulham and Santo is hoping he could help the Hammers build on their current good form of two league wins a row.
Santo also expressed his delight in signing Traore and the pair have worked together before.
Speaking at his weekly press conference Santo said: “I know him. I know him very well. I worked with him for many years and I know him that’s why I said he is unique. There are not many players with his abilities. There are not many players with his speed. And I think he will give us many things that we need.”
“The threat that he gives. The threat that he processes. And his energy not only on the pitch, but in the dressing room and on the training ground he is a special player to have around.”
Santo also said he was impressed with the form of Crysencio Summerville. The midfielder has scored in each of the last three games for the Hammers.
Santo said: “Crysencio Summerville has improved a lot and he is now giving us what I think he should be giving which more goals. He is a threat and defends a lot. And we will press him more and more because we think he could do more.”
Santo also praised the impact that new Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior has had on the blues and was impressed with their victory against Napoli in the Champions League.
He said:“I saw the game yesterday and Chelsea have a fantastic squad, and Liam has many options to him and currently they are playing well.”
“I can’t predict the outcome as Liam has many options to pick from. So, it will be very difficult to predict what team Chelsea will play on Saturday because they will be playing on Tuesday as well. It is always a new game, so I am not concerned about our recent record against Chelsea.”
West Ham have won just one of their last 19 Premier League away games against Chelsea , losing the last five in a row since a 1-0 victory in November 2019.