Farke praises Trafford's confidence after £45m Leeds move

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 10 Oct, 08:19 · Archive

Leeds manager Daniel Farke says goalkeeper James Trafford has the natural self-confidence to compete for England's number one spot.

Daniel Farke has praised James Trafford's mentality since the goalkeeper joined Leeds United for a club record £45 million from Manchester City this summer. Farke said Trafford has the 'natural self-confidence' needed to compete for England's number one position and to handle the pressure of being Britain's most expensive goalkeeper.

The 23-year-old has impressed since his arrival, keeping two clean sheets in Leeds' opening five Premier League games with a league-high save percentage of 87 per cent. He has also started two of England's four Nations League matches during the international break, playing against Spain and Czechia.

Farke described Trafford's demeanour as 'relaxed' and noted his 'aura and body language' on the pitch. 'Perhaps natural self-confidence is a better word to describe James,' Farke said. 'You have to be like this as a goalkeeper. If you're too thoughtful and come with shaky hands on the pitch, you have no chance.' Farke was 'desperate' to sign Trafford, who helped Manchester City to two trophies last season including a clean sheet in the League Cup final against Arsenal in March.

How it is being reported

• Daniel Farke discusses the 'arrogance' of Leeds United's £45m man as special quality highlightedThe Leeds boss spoke at length about Trafford ahead of the trip to ArsenalLeedsLive · 10 Oct, 08:00
• Leeds United's Daniel Farke on James Trafford: 'He knows he is bloody good'Daniel Farke says Leeds United goalkeeper James Trafford has the “natural self-confidence” which will allow him to compete to be England's new No 1 goalkeeper and deal with being Britain's most expensive.Yorkshire Post · 9 Oct, 18:25

In this story: James Trafford · Daniel Farke · Leeds United · Manchester City · England · Arsenal

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