NafisaLeeds United boss Daniel Farke has delivered a glowing verdict on James Trafford after the goalkeeper kept a clean sheet on his Premier League debut during Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest.
Trafford arrived at Elland Road from Manchester City during the summer in a huge £45million deal, immediately bringing plenty of expectation with him.
And although the England international was not required to produce a spectacular string of saves at the City Ground, Farke believes his presence and composure played an important role in helping Leeds secure a priceless opening-day victory.
Anton Stach eventually provided the decisive moment, curling home a brilliant late free-kick to send the travelling supporters into celebration.
But while Stach understandably took the headlines, Farke was keen to highlight the contribution of his new goalkeeper.
“He has this natural aura of confidence and calmness around him and this is exactly what we wanted with him so very happy with his game day,” Farke said.
The Leeds manager then went as far as describing Trafford as “world class” after completing his first competitive appearance for the club with a clean sheet.
“For me, whenever a goalkeeper has a clean sheet for us on Premier League level he is always world class I have to say and the same today.
“I wouldn’t say it was a game where he had to be there with ten unbelievable saves or whatever because there were not too many situations where he had to be there with an outstanding jump or whatever but his appearance on the pitch was quite important.
“It was just his first game day but he played also a decisive part and once we returned back to the dressing room with a clean sheet then the goalkeeper is always excellent.”
That will be particularly encouraging for Trafford after he endured a difficult afternoon with his distribution.
Forest supporters repeatedly tried to get under his skin, even taunting the goalkeeper with chants questioning Leeds’ decision to spend so heavily on him.
However, Trafford ultimately walked away from his debut with exactly what Farke wanted — a clean sheet and three points.
The result also gives Leeds a perfect platform to build from after an impressive pre-season.
Farke admitted the match could easily have gone against his side, but praised his players for finding a way to secure the victory.
“I think it was a very, very tight game and also it could have gone into the other direction but I am happy and delighted that we could convert our almost flawless pre season into a perfect game day and it’s a very important three points for us.”
For Trafford, the biggest positive will undoubtedly be the clean sheet.
There will be plenty for him to improve on, particularly when Leeds are attempting to build from the back, but his first Premier League appearance for the club has ended with a victory.
And with Farke already praising the “natural aura of confidence and calmness” he brings, Leeds supporters will be hoping Saturday’s performance is the beginning of a very successful chapter for their £45m goalkeeper.
Nafisa
