Leeds United and England's Dominic Calvert-Lewin weighs in on James Trafford debate from unique vantage point
Leeds United’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin has weighed in on the James Trafford v Jordan Pickford debate
Leeds United star Dominic Calvert-Lewin believes England are fortunate to have “two exceptional goalkeepers” in Jordan Pickford and James Trafford.
Calvert-Lewin is uniquely positioned to assess the battle for the gloves in the Three Lions squad as a former club teammate of Pickford’s and a current club teammate of Trafford’s.
He spent the best part of a decade alongside Pickford at Everton and was joined at Leeds by Trafford in the summer, when the stopper made a £40m move from Manchester City.
32-year-old Pickford has been the undisputed number one in the Three Lions fold for nearly a decade, but is being pushed hard by 24-year-old Trafford.
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Dominic Calvert-Lewin on goalkeeper debate
Calvert-Lewin said: “I think we're fortunate now that we've got two exceptional goalkeepers. One thing that is true for both of them is they're very self-confident and confident in their ability, which is what I think you need from England's number one.
“I played with Pickers for nine years at Everton, so I've seen him grow and what a career he's had for England. I don't think that can be so quickly disregarded at all.
“But now I'm playing with James Trafford, who is a younger, confident, top, top goalkeeper, and I'm seeing his quality week in, week out now. I think it's something that should be appreciated by us as a nation.
“We're very quick to kind of pit players against each other when there's all of a sudden competition for places, but instead of appreciating the fact that we've got strength in depth, and strength in depth is what you need in order to win tournaments.”
James Trafford’s development
Trafford has made a strong start to life at Elland Road, impressing in what had been a problem position for Leeds in previous years.
Calvert-Lewin said: “When he (Trafford) has played, he's been top, and he's continued that coming to Leeds. I think he's been a fantastic addition for us and exactly what we needed.
“You just get that feeling when you see someone up close, and I see him on a matchday; he's got all the qualities that are needed to be a top, top goalie for me.”