Despite the scenario one Manchester City player is facing, he is putting his best foot forward on the pitch | OneFootball

Ever since Gianluigi Donnarumma signed for Manchester City, James Trafford has been reduced to being a backup keeper in Pep Guardiola’s squad. James Trafford is too good a goalkeeper to be just a backup. He has shown that every time he has started in goal for Manchester City this season. Trafford was again superb in goal yesterday as City beat Salford City 2-0 to progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup. He made two crucial saves and was a steadying presence in goal for his team. It is a credit to James Trafford that he always puts his best foot forward when called upon, despite the frustrating experience he has endured this season.

Without James Trafford’s crucial saves, Manchester City may have had a tougher afternoon against Salford City.

James Trafford wasn’t expected to be busy in goal during yesterday’s match. Manchester City was expected to brush aside Salford City in their FA Cup fourth-round tie at the Etihad Stadium. After Salford City defender Alfie Dorrington put the ball into his own net in the sixth minute yesterday, it was expected that Pep Guardiola’s side would brush aside the League Two outfit. But that wasn’t what transpired throughout yesterday’s match. Salford City gave their all, and James Trafford had to make several crucial saves to keep Karl Robinson’s side out.

James Trafford’s first truly quality save came just before halftime. Manchester City held a 1-nil lead, and Salford City were pushing for an equalizer. A well-worked Salford move saw the ball cut back to a dangerous position in the City penalty area by Ryan Graydon. Ben Woodburn hit a shot that was destined for the top corner before James Trafford pulled off a stunning save. That was the first of James Trafford’s two important saves.

The second important save from James Trafford came on the hour mark yesterday. Kelly N’Mai hit a goal-bound shot from a tight angle after a sustained spell of Salford City pressure. Trafford kept the ball out with another strong save. James Trafford wasn’t busy by any stretch yesterday, but he was ready when called into action, and that proved to be crucial in Manchester City’s victory.

James Trafford spoke out after his strong performance in Manchester City’s win at the Etihad.

Speaking after yesterday’s match, James Trafford said he knew he wouldn’t be busy in goal for Manchester City yesterday. He added that when he was called into action, he had to do what was required. Trafford did exactly that. The young goalkeeper also acknowledged the frustrating experience he has endured this season. He explained: “I knew I wasn’t going to have too much to do but, when I was called upon, I had to do well. It was nice, it wasn’t what I expected coming into the season. I tried to guard against it. It’s the reality and I have to give it my best shot. It’s the situation I’m in. We train every day but making saves, it’s good fun.”

“It’s one of them, it’s a knockout competition. We won and we have a week until the next game. We have to keep going.”

James Trafford has put his best foot forward every time he has been called upon to start for Manchester City this season. It is a credit to him that he has performed so well. This season has been a frustrating experience for the young goalkeeper. It would be even more frustrating for Trafford given how ambitious, determined, and confident he is. But despite the frustration Trafford has endured, he is playing an important role for his team. Without him, City may have had a tougher time yesterday and against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup semi-final tie. So Trafford has more than earned his flowers for a series of important performances in goal recently.