Steven Gerrard has given his verdict on a moment that proved costly for Burnley, offering an interesting perspective on an incident that could have been avoided but also highlighted the dangers of playing a particular brand of football.
Leeds United will have a close interest in his comments, given the player involved arrived at Elland Road during the summer. The former Liverpool captain was discussing the incident on The Overlap Daily and made it clear that, while there was no escaping responsibility, the opposition also deserved credit for what followed.
Gerrard’s assessment was less about apportioning blame and more about the risks teams accept when they commit to building attacks from their own penalty area.
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Gerrard explains his thinking
The player in question was James Trafford, whose mistake allowed Bournemouth to score their first goal against Burnley.
Trafford, who came through Manchester City’s academy, has been encouraged to play out from the back throughout his development. Gerrard believes that background helps explain what happened, pointing to the calculated risks goalkeepers take in teams built around possession.
“They know Trafford is from City and how he’s been schooled and how he likes to build”, Gerrard said.
“These types of goalkeepers take a little bit of a risk. Alisson’s the same with Liverpool; Trafford’s one. These managers like to build from back to front a lot and are obsessed with it. They give you a chance from time to time.”
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Gerrard refuses to overlook Bournemouth’s role
Gerrard did not attempt to defend Trafford or suggest the goalkeeper was blameless. He accepted that the Leeds summer signing had made a clear mistake, but felt the reaction should also recognise Bournemouth’s ability to capitalise.
“I’d rather give Bournemouth the credit there. Trafford’s made a mistake. It’s clear to see, but you have to go punish that mistake.”
It was a fair distinction. Playing out from the back inevitably carries risks, and goalkeepers who are comfortable with the ball at their feet will occasionally get caught out. But those errors only become costly when the opposition is alert enough to take advantage.
For Trafford, the incident will serve as a reminder of the fine margins involved in his preferred style. Leeds will want him to retain the confidence to play the way he has been coached, but there is little doubt that avoiding such costly mistakes will be important as he settles into life at Elland Road.
