James Trafford is arguably one of the biggest signings this summer. Leeds United spent a record fee to land the goalkeeper from Manchester City.
Many questioned why the player commanded such a huge fee after being benched for most of last season. But Trafford’s track record shows he was worth it – setting clean sheet records in the championship and winning two finals for City last season were enough.
And this season, he has showed his quality in the Premier League with some outstanding performances. Four clean sheets in 10 matches puts him near the best in the league.
Former England star gives James Trafford ‘no chance’ to become number one
James Trafford
Credit: Imago
Per reports, one of the reasons Trafford sought a move away from City was to push for an England place.
And over the year he has been very close to achieving that. Thomas Tuchel gave him a chance during the last international break ahead of Jordan Pickford.
Coming into this international break, it looks clear that Pickford will take back his spot in the team.
Former England man Nigel Martyn believes Pickford is good enough to keep the number one spot ‘for the next 5 years’ which is basically downplaying Trafford’s ability. Martyn was speaking to Toffeeweb on the Once a Blue podcast.
“As a manager, you want that competition for places. I can understand the way he’s looked at it and the opportunities for James Trafford, but I still think he looks at Jordan as his number one, and Jordan’s form certainly would back that up completely. I think Pickford should stay number one for the foreseeable future. I don’t see any reason to change it.”
“At the age that he is now, the next five or six years are probably where I felt most comfortable playing. You know, the older I got, the more comfortable I was with everything.
“He’s probably coming into his prime years. You don’t get somebody to this level [and move him on] in his prime. As long as the desire is there from him, and I see that, then he has another five or six years of Jordan [as number one], if he wants that.”
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Trafford is well on his way to becoming England number one
For now, Pickford will obviously be in goal due to his experience in the team and the fact that he started under Tuchel many times.
But the German coach has already showed he is willing to explore options as seen in the last international break.
James Trafford just has to continue performing at a high level with Leeds United, and when called upon; deliver with England.
