Former England and Manchester City goalkeeper David James has lavished praise upon Leeds United’s James Trafford
Leeds United goalkeeper James Trafford has been tipped to be England’s first-choice stopper for the next decade by David James.
Trafford has just two senior caps for the Three Lions on his CV but is widely expected to be the man who dislodges Jordan Pickford between the sticks.
He recently made a £40m move from Manchester City to Leeds and has started strongly, keeping clean sheets in back-to-back wins over Nottingham Forest.
David James has lavished praise upon Leeds United goalkeeper James Trafford.placeholder image
David James has lavished praise upon Leeds United goalkeeper James Trafford. | Bruce Rollinson/PA Wire & Peter Byrne/PA Wire
Leeds United sent James Trafford message
James, a former Manchester City and England goalkeeper himself, believes Leeds have an “amazing” goalkeeper on their hands.
He told LiveFootballTickets: “Leeds have got an amazing goalkeeper on their hands in James Trafford.
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“He could be their goalkeeper for the next decade, and he started off his Leeds career with a clean sheet, so it doesn’t get better than that. I also think he will be England’s goalkeeper for the next 10 years as well, he’s that good.
“Of all the outgoings at Man City this summer, Trafford was the most disappointing to me. He had an unfortunate season last year with City signing Donnarumma after they re-signed him, but Leeds have a top ‘keeper on their hands.”
‘Calmness’ added to Leeds United ranks
Not only is Trafford a talented shot-stopper, he has won plaudits for his ability to stay calm with the ball at his feet.
He was rated highly at the Etihad Stadium but did not appear to be on the verge of leapfrogging Gianluigi Donnarumma in the pecking order.
James Trafford has made an impressive start to life at Leeds United.placeholder image
James Trafford has made an impressive start to life at Leeds United. | Bruce Rollinson/PA Wire
James said: “He was brilliant for City in the League Cup final, he possesses a level of calmness which will spread through the team at Leeds. Trafford is also privileged enough to have experienced almost everything in football.
“He has been relegated from the Premier League and promoted to it and been a part of lots of successful squads at Man City. He has battled in tough times, and he has won plenty, that’s invaluable experience to add to the Leeds squad.
“He’s a brilliant signing, worth every penny, and Trafford will be Leeds’ and England’s number one for many years to come.”