James Trafford has done all he can to stake his claim to be Manchester City’s number-one goalkeeper

James Trafford has started Manchester City’s past two matches in goal. With City beating Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, then following that up with a 4-0 win over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final tie at the Etihad on Saturday, Trafford had the opportunity to start both matches. The England international kept two clean sheets, and his overall performances in both matches were superb. In terms of staking his own claim to be Manchester City’s first-choice goalkeeper, Trafford has done all he can in the past two matches.

James Trafford followed his brilliant Carabao Cup performance with another strong display against Liverpool.

James Trafford’s triple save early in Manchester City’s 2-0 Carabao Cup final win over Arsenal was a key moment in that match at Wembley. Trafford’s heroics denied Arsenal the opportunity to take an early lead and build momentum. Aside from that moment, Trafford didn’t have a whole lot to do at Wembley. However, he was assured in possession, and that is all James Trafford had to do at Wembley.

Against Liverpool on Saturday, James Trafford was a lot busier than he was against Arsenal. Trafford made a string of crucial saves throughout the match, and he commanded his area superbly. In possession, once again, Trafford was assured, and his ability with his feet helped Manchester City play through Liverpool’s attempted press. James Trafford’s big moment came in the 63rd minute at the Etihad. Matheus Nunes brought down Hugo Ekitike, and Liverpool were awarded a penalty. Up stepped Mo Salah to take the spot kick. Trafford made a superb save to keep out Salah’s penalty in what was a great moment for the young goalkeeper.

James Trafford’s last two starts for Manchester City have been superb. He’s done all that can be asked of him in goal, and he has shown why he is so highly regarded. In terms of showing that he could one day be Manchester City’s first-choice keeper, Trafford has done exactly that in two high-pressure matches.

Trafford has put his best foot forward in a bid to be Manchester City’s first-choice keeper.

All James Trafford can do when he is given the opportunity to start is exactly what he has done against Arsenal and Liverpool. Make the saves he needs to make, command his area and be a part of Manchester City’s build up play from the back. Trafford has done exactly that. He has shown that he has the talent, and temperament to one day to be Manchester City’s and likely England’s number-one goalkeeper. There is no doubt James Trafford’s pedigree as a goalkeeper after his last two starts for Manchester City. He’s proven that on the big stage which is where players forge their reputations.

For now, Gianluigi Donnarumma remains Manchester City’s number-one goalkeeper. It would be a shock if he didn’t start in City’s next Premier League fixture against Chelsea. However, James Trafford has staked his claim to have an extended run in goal for Pep Guardiola’s side. James Trafford’s past two performances have been impressive and are food for thought as to who should be Manchester City’s first-choice keeper.