A Manchester City keeper gave a timely reminder of his quality against Newcastle | OneFootball

James Trafford has unfortunately become the cup goalkeeper for Manchester City this season. With Gianluigi Donnarumma being City’s number-one goalkeeper, Trafford has had to bide his time to get an opportunity to play this season. Trafford started both legs of Manchester City’s Carabao Cup semi-final tie win over Newcastle. He put in strong performances in both matches, and his performance in City’s 3-1 win at the Etihad was a timely reminder of James Trafford’s undeniable quality as a goalkeeper.

James Trafford played a key role in goal for Manchester City against Newcastle.

In both legs of Manchester City’s Carabao Cup semi-final tie win over Newcastle, James Trafford was superb in goal. He made the saves he needed to make, and the occasion didn’t get the better of the young goalkeeper. There was no doubt that Trafford would thrive on the big stage. He is almost made for it. He proved that in both matches against Newcastle. On Wednesday night at the Etihad, Trafford played a key role in Manchester City’s 3-1 win.

James Trafford made a string of key saves in Manchester City’s win over Newcastle at the Etihad. They all came at key moments in the match. When City’s defence was breached, Trafford was there, especially when the game was in its early stages and Newcastle harbored hopes of a comeback. Trafford kept Newcastle out. His save from an early Newcastle chance was vital. Trafford’s save from Anthony Gordon in the first half also denied Eddie Howe’s side a route back into the second-leg of the Carabao Cup tie. By the time Anthony Elanga scored for Newcastle, City had secured their passage to this season’s Carabao Cup final. James Trafford had played a key role in City’s win over two legs.

Trafford was also good with his feet. He isn’t Ederson by any stretch, no other goalkeeper is, but he did offer what Donnarumma cannot in Manchester City’s build-up play from the back. James Trafford was cool and composed in possession when required, and his work with his feet perfectly complemented his saves. All told, James Trafford’s performance at the Etihad was superb and a reminder of his quality as a goalkeeper.

Whatever the future holds for James Trafford he will become an elite keeper.

James Trafford is too good and too ambitious to be a number-two goalkeeper. He has all of the traits to become an elite goalkeeper. In time, Trafford will become exactly that, whether that is at Manchester City or elsewhere. Trafford’s two performances against Newcastle further solidified the point of view that Trafford will become a top-class keeper.

The hope is that Trafford fulfills his potential at Manchester City. Whether or not he does depends on whether he is at City come the end of next summer’s transfer window. There is a sizable obstacle for Trafford to overcome to become City’s first-choice keeper in Gianluigi Donnarumma. Based on Trafford’s performances against Newcastle, he showed that he has the talent and his performance at the Etihad was a timely reminder of Trafford’s quality as a keeper.