'Like a breath of fresh air' - Leeds United given James Trafford insight by his ex-Bolton Wanderers coach
Leeds United have been given an insight into James Trafford by his ex-Bolton Wanderers goalkeeping coach
Leeds United target James Trafford has the potential to become England’s number one, according to his former goalkeeping coach Matt Gilks.
Trafford is firmly in Leeds’ sights and reports have indicated a £40m deal to sign the Manchester City stopper is set to be agreed.
During his first spell at Manchester City, Trafford was loaned to Acrrington Stanley and then to Bolton Wanderers for two separate spells.
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It was his exploits in League One with the Trotters that sent his stock soaring and convinced Burnley to fork out a reported £15m for his services in 2023. He returned to Manchester City last summer, although now appears set for pastures new in West Yorkshire.
Gilks, who was Trafford’s goalkeeping coach at Bolton, has provided Leeds fans with an insight into the player they could soon see in their club’s colours.
Matt Gilks on James Trafford potential
He told Sky Sports: “100 per cent, he can do it (become England’s number one). He has set that goal and there's absolutely no reason he can't reach that level.
“When you've been in the game for 25 years, like I have, you come across hundreds of goalkeepers and there are very few that really stand out, but James is definitely one of them.
“His athletic profile, the power he produces when he takes off, his reflexes. All the little details we look at are up there.
“The way he deals with setbacks, for a young lad, is really good. When I was his age, I would probably sulk and not speak to anyone for a week, but he just brushes it off. It's straight on to the next game, the next training session.”
Acclimatising to senior football
Trafford impressed at Bolton but his loan spells with the Trotters were massively educational. They familiarised him with the rough and tumble of senior football, building on a skillset refined in Manchester City’s youth system.
He has been unable to dislodge Gianlugi Donnarumma at the Etihad Stadium, but did make his senior England debut earlier this year.
Gilks said: “He was like a breath of fresh air when he came in. He was a big, confident 'keeper in and around the penalty area, and he was great in the dressing room. We tried to tidy up parts of his game, but mostly it was just making him understand the league.
“When you're playing for Manchester City in academy football, it's all very neat and tidy in front of you. But when you get in front of hairy men in League One who have got really powerful shots, it's different.
“It's hustle and bustle. Strikers smash everything. He had to get used to that, but the more games he played, the more he grew in confidence, in himself, in the team, and vice-versa.”