Main image of Arsenal star David Raya and Leeds United goalkeeper James Trafford's face in a circular inset on the right
Main image of Arsenal star David Raya and Leeds United goalkeeper James Trafford's face in a circular inset on the right
The Whites signed the England international from Manchester City for £40million in the summer, and many fans will say he has been worth it.
Daniel Farke lost Karl Darlow after the 2025-26 campaign, and the West Yorkshire outfit decided to make a massive upgrade in between the sticks.
Trafford has played in every Premier League game for Leeds and has outperformed Arsenal's David Raya and every other shot-stopper in one metric.
The Spain international is widely considered the best goalkeeper playing in England and remains an influential player for Mikel Arteta.
Paraag Marathe and 49ers Enterprises made a big commitment in signing a new goalkeeper after Lucas Perri struggled at Elland Road, but their decision has certainly paid off.
James Trafford season in numbers at Leeds United
Trafford was instrumental against Sunderland in the 0-0 draw as Leeds took a point from the Stadium of Light.
The Whites boast the second-best defence in the Premier League this season, conceding just six goals.
Trafford has recorded a save percentage of 83.3 after eight games, better than Raya's 78.3, and it's the best in the English top flight.
In terms of clean sheets, the West Yorkshire outfit have kept three, while Arsenal have five.
🧤 Leading the way! pic.twitter.com/eV02fszpo0
— Leeds United (@LUFC) October 27, 2026
The English goalkeeper has made 30 saves in total and recorded a goals-prevented score of 1.96, according to Sofascore.
Where Daniel Farke could improve squad at Elland Road
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has shouldered the goalscoring burden at Leeds since last season.
Harry Wilson was probably brought in after his contract at Fulham expired to support the striker up front.
However, the Wales international has struggled to make an impact at the Whites and has yet to score or assist in the Premier League this season.
Against Sunderland, Calvert-Lewin lacked support up top and the weather conditions didn't make things easy in terms of challenging for aerial duels and holding up play.
The England international could've used someone to play off at the Stadium of Light, but Wilson and Brenden Aaronson failed to do much.
Farke will be proud of the defensive resoluteness his team have shown this season, but the attacking talent at Elland Road needs to wake up.