Leeds United signed seven new players in the summer transfer window to bolster their squad after finishing 14th in the Premier League table last season.
It is safe to say a few of those signings have made an immediate impact and contributed to Leeds’ brilliant start in the Premier League this term.
Tarik Muharemovic has emerged as a defensive monster for Leeds this season, while Nico Elvedi has softened the blow of losing Joe Rodon to an injury early in the campaign.
Leeds also expect Harry Wilson to come good later in the season, but one player has stood out and is head and shoulders above all the new boys, and a Premier League stat reflects that.
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Leed United new boy leads Premier League chart in remarkable stat
The Whites pushed the boat out for Trafford and paid a club-record fee to sign him from Manchester City in the summer transfer window.
With Illan Meslier, Karl Darlow and Lucas Perri leaving, Leeds were determined to bring in a top-class goalkeeper and shut the argument about who should be between the sticks at Elland Road.
Daniel Farke later revealed that Leeds were desperate tos sign Trafford, as he knew after the last couple of seasons the importance of having a top goalkeeper in the team.
Trafford has made every penny of the £40m Leeds paid for him, adding calm, confidence, and consistency between the sticks for the Whites.
Leeds’ defence looks more assured with the England man behind them, and they no longer have to worry about inconsistent, erratic decisions inside the box.
One Premier League stat shows how much of a difference Trafford has made this season: he has made the most saves in the first five games.
Trafford has made 20 Premier League saves this season and leads every other goalkeeper in the English top division.
Just by the numbers, the Leeds man is the best shot-stopper in the Premier League after the first five games.
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He is a huge upgrade in the goalkeeping department
Darlow’s decision to leave Leeds for Manchester United initially left the club facing plenty of uncertainty in goal. With the veteran choosing a new challenge rather than extending his stay at Elland Road, there were genuine questions over how Leeds would replace him.
Those concerns look rather misplaced now. Leeds clearly had a plan in place, and their pursuit of James Trafford showed that they were never particularly worried about the situation developing in the summer.
The England international has already demonstrated why Leeds were so keen to bring him back. Trafford represents a significant step up from both Darlow and Perri, who was sent out on loan to Torino towards the end of the transfer window.
He has quickly settled into the No.1 role, producing several excellent saves and looking increasingly assured behind the Leeds defence. Just as importantly, his presence appears to have given the defenders in front of him greater confidence, knowing they have a goalkeeper who can bail them out when required.
