David James exclusive: Former Man City goalkeeper gives crucial James Trafford advice to Pep Guardiola | OneFootball

Former Manchester City and England goalkeeper has sent some tactical advice in the way of Pep Guardiola after this summer’s goalkeeping shuffle at the Etihad Stadium.

City overhauled their shotstopping department in the recent transfer window as long-serving number one Ederson joined Fenerbahce on deadline day and Scott Carson left at the end of a six-year stint in the backdrop of a subpar 2024-25 season.

Manchester City appointed Hugo Viana as their new director of football in the summer and the Portuguese recruited former blue James Trafford from Burnley for £27 million to strengthen Pep Guardiola’s options in net for the seasons to come.

The Blues also went on to secure arguably the best deal of the window as they signed Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day after a public parting of ways between the European champions and the Italy international over contract expectations at the Parc des Princes.

With City bidding farewell to Ederson on deadline day, the Blues have entered a new era of goalkeeping as they place their faith in Donnarumma, Trafford as well as Marcus Bettinelli, who joined as third-choice goalkeeper from Chelsea in June to replace Carson.

In an exclusive interview with City Xtra on behalf of AskGamblers, former Manchester City and England goalkeeper David James have advised Guardiola on how he should approach the goalkeeping position as City move on from the days of Ederson, whose ability on the ball is widely regarded as the best in the world in his position.

“Well, James (Trafford) can play the game that Pep wants,” James said. “I know there was some criticism, obviously, for the Tottenham game where they lost 2-0 at home.

“And unfortunately for James (Trafford), the mistake was a poor pass as opposed to conceding the goal. I think that led to the second goal for Tottenham, but he’s capable of playing that game.”

The error James referenced drew heavy criticism from the Manchester City fans towards Trafford, who was soon displaced by Donnarumma in the starting XI – with the Italian making an unbelievably strong start to life in the Premier League.

“If you look at the nature of the Premier League this season, there are very few sides that are playing the same kind of game they were playing last season,” James added. “I mentioned (Senne) Lammens at Manchester United. Pretty much every goal kick was a long kick.

“And we’re seeing much more direct football now. We’ve gone back a couple of generations, almost in the style of starting games or restarts in games. So Donnarumma fits into that. Manchester City are on a good run now, and that’s due to playing a different game. 

“Obviously, depending on the opposition, some oppositions don’t put pressure on you for goal kicks, and you can play out the back. But Manchester City aren’t scared of kicking long. And if you’re winning games with that style of football, then why do you need to change it?”

Donnarumma has kept five clean sheets in his first eight games for Manchester City and is expected to start when the Blues take on Aston Villa on matchday nine of the Premier League campaign in Birmingham on Sunday afternoon.