James Trafford has had a frustrating season at Manchester City following the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma – but predecessor Joe Hart is certain that the young goalkeeper has a big future.
Trafford is expected to line up for City in the FA Cup final on Saturday, with Pep Guardiola regularly giving him opportunities in knockout competitions this season.
The 23-year-old has played every minute in both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, and was in goal as City beat Arsenal 2-0 in the final of the latter tournament in March, making a fine triple save at one point.
Why Hart's a fan
Joe Hart won five trophies during many successful years with City, as they developed into a winning machine following the takeover of Sheikh Mansour, and has followed Trafford’s progress for some time.
The young keeper started his career in City’s youth system, before joining Burnley after a loan spell at Bolton. City took up a buy-back option last summer.
“I’ve certainly been impressed with him – I remember his loans, especially his Bolton loan, which was really big for him,” the TNT Sports pundit tells FourFourTwo, ahead of the FA Cup final. “He was unbelievable there – how many was it, nine or 10 clean sheets in a row? It was getting ridiculous.
“With England under 21s, he won the tournament with the penalty save against Spain in the final – Cole Palmer, his team-mate, saying ‘Don’t worry, it’s fine, he’ll save it’.
“Then signing for Burnley, that first season was difficult in the Premier League, but it was a great experience, then however many clean sheets he got in the Championship.
“I think he was the best keeper, statistically, to play in the Championship, and at a relatively young age. Then he got the move back to City, so he’s been progressing so well.”
Hart has been seen speaking to Trafford after a match at the Etihad this season, and has been happy to offer his experience where helpful.
“James made it pretty clear that I was someone that he looked up to, which is always nice to hear, and if someone goes out of their way to ask if I could help, a little bit of advice, then no problem,” he says.
“We speak as friends now. Any way I can be there for him, he knows I will be. I think the world of him. I want to help him, keep him grounded, keep him moving forward. You’ve just got to be there for someone and hear what they’ve got to say. If they’ve got any questions, I do my best to answer.
“I’m no guru, I’m just a friend – James seems like the kind of person who doesn’t want to hear rubbish, he wants real people around him. We’re very similar – I feel I can chat to a lot of goalkeepers, it’s nice.”
England's next number one?
Trafford had expected to be City’s first-choice goalkeeper when he agreed to return to the club last summer, only for Donnarumma to sign before the end of the transfer window.
Hart also previously found himself as City’s number two in unexpected circumstances, dropped when Guardiola arrived, and explains how a goalkeeper copes with that situation.
“You just do – it’s just life,” he says. “Obviously, we all want things to go our way. When they don’t, I think you’ll often find that the successful people are willing to stand up for themselves.
“Outside the transfer window, there’s no point in even thinking about not being a Manchester City player. He’s still had great opportunities, he’s found a way to work with the club, a way to keep progressing. Ideally he wants to play every game, but he’s played in all of the domestic cup competitions.
“He’s got an opportunity to shine in the FA Cup. He’s got one bit of silverware this season and he’s looking for another.”
Regular England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is now 32, and while he doesn’t look likely to lose his Three Lions spot any time soon, Trafford appears to be at the right age to potentially take the jersey when it does become available.
Hart, though, says it’s too early to start thinking about that. “It’s all about timing, isn’t it?” he says. “Jordan’s in possession, and rightfully so at the moment. He’s been brilliant since he took over the gloves.
“It’s not a time to talk about successors, in my opinion, while Jordan’s doing what he’s doing. Everyone’s running their own race, just like Jordan is.
“James will be running his own race. Dean Henderson, Aaron Ramsdale, Nick Pope, up-and-coming goalkeepers like James Beadle at Birmingham this season. No-one’s promised anything.”
Hart was talking ahead of a month like no other, with five major football finals live on TNT Sports & HBO Max kicking off with the Emirates FA Cup this Saturday. Enjoy a full day of FA Cup coverage live on TNT Sports & HBO Max from 9am.
