James Trafford has staked his claim to be Manchester City’s number-one keeper | OneFootball

James Trafford made his first start for Manchester City during their 4-nil win over Wolves at Molineux. It was a special moment for Trafford, given the path he took to make the City first team. Looking at James Trafford’s performance, he has staked an early claim to become City’s number-one goalkeeper. Trafford was calm, confident and assured in goal. That was a great sign from the young goalkeeper who looked every bit a keeper who can play in a quality Manchester City side.

James Trafford looked right at home in goal for Manchester City at Molineux.

Manchester City routinely kick off games by passing the ball straight back to the goalkeeper. Whether that has been Ederson or Stefan Ortega in recent seasons. But it did appear to be telling that Bernardo Silva made a point of playing the ball back to James Trafford to begin Saturday’s match. It felt like a moment where Bernardo Silva said to James Trafford that his team trusts him. From there, Trafford impressed in goal.

The young keeper was confident and assured in goal. He showed authority when coming for crosses. Trafford made several good saves when required. He was also good with his feet, bar the odd moment here and there. It was a long ball from James Trafford that set up the move for Manchester City’s third goal at Molineux. All told, Trafford was impressive in his first start for Manchester City.

No matter who he is competing against, Trafford can be Manchester City’s number-one goalkeeper.

Currently, there is uncertainty surrounding the goalkeeping position at Manchester City. Jack Gaughan has previously reported for the Daily Mail that Manchester City are intent on signing PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. If that move occurs, then Ederson will likely move to Galatasaray. But based on what James Trafford showed on Saturday it won’t matter who he is competing against, he is capable of becoming City’s number-one goalkeeper.

James Trafford is a player that oozes confidence and is filled with self belief. That was clear to see at Molineux. It won’t matter to Trafford who he is competing with he will back himself to be City’s number-one goalkeeper. He staked his claim against Wolves and it now would be a major surprise if Trafford didnt start in goal against Tottenham at the Etihad on Saturday.