Leeds United have gone into the international break in fifth in the Premier League table on nine points after five league games.
The 0-0 draw at home against Crystal Palace on Sunday was a disappointing result and performance. But that does not take anything away from a very good start to their season.
Leeds look like firm contenders to improve on their 14th-place finish last season, and some of the new signings have played a significant role in improving the quality of their starting eleven and squad.
Tarik Muharemovic and Nico Elvedi have looked like defensive powerhouses at the back, but another new boy has made the biggest difference.
Read More: Paul Robinson can’t believe what he saw in Leeds vs Crystal Palace draw: “He should be devastated”
Paul Robinson is blown away by Leeds United’s new boy
Daniel Farke revealed at the start of the season that Leeds were desperate to sign James Trafford because he knew how important it was to have a top goalkeeper as their new number one.
Leeds paid a club-record fee to sign the goalkeeper from Manchester City, and Trafford has looked worth every penny at Elland Road.
Former Leeds goalkeeper, Paul Robinson, has conceded that Leeds have needed a player of the 23-year-old’s quality between the sticks since last season.
He stressed that the signing will help both parties. Leeds have got a top-quality goalkeeper while Trafford gets the platform to establish himself as the number one for both club and country.
Robinson said in commentary on Sunday: “It’s an addition that Leeds have needed in the last 12 to 18 months, and I think it’s a really clever, intelligent signing for Farke.
“You look at what he’s done in his career, where he’s been, and I think of the potential for him at international level; he needs to realise that, and he knows that, hence the reason he’s come to a club like Leeds.
“A very good signing that works for both.”
Read More: talkSPORT presenters clash live on air over Leeds star in England squad: “Start him”
James Trafford has been a huge upgrade
When Karl Darlow decided to join Manchester United instead of signing a new deal and staying at Leeds, there were serious concerns about the goalkeeping position.
However, in retrospect, it was clear that Leeds were lining up a deal for Trafford and were calm about the situation in the summer.
The England goalkeeper is a huge upgrade on both Darlow and Lucas Perri, who joined Torino on loan at the end of the summer transfer window.
He has looked the part between the sticks, has pulled off some brilliant saves and has made the defenders ahead of him confident about what’s behind them.
