adminGabby Agbonlahor hasn’t held back in his assessment of Leeds United goalkeeper James Trafford’s latest display for England.
The 23-year-old was handed a difficult assignment by Thomas Tuchel when he was named in the starting XI against Spain on Saturday.
A Nations League opener against the reigning world champions was always going to be a demanding test, and it certainly proved to be one.
The challenge was evident when Lamine Yamal broke the deadlock after just two minutes, following an error from Marc Guehi.
There was little the goalkeeper could have done, as he was ultimately exposed by the players in front of him.
That hasn’t prevented Agbonlahor from criticising Trafford as he discussed the Leeds star’s prospects with England.
Why has Gabby Agbonlahor criticised James Trafford against Spain?
The 2002-born goalkeeper has certainly made a strong impression since arriving at Elland Road.
His displays have been encouraging and have helped Daniel Farke’s side compete towards the upper end of the Premier League.
That appears to have impressed Tuchel, who handed Trafford his long-awaited opportunity at Wembley.
In just his third England appearance, Trafford conceded three goals, but that wasn’t what Agbonlahor focused on.
Instead, the former Aston Villa striker questioned his distribution and ability with the ball at his feet.
Speaking live on talkSPORT on Monday, he said: “James Trafford is a decent keeper. Playing out from the back, he looked very shaky against Spain. He gave away a few balls and didn’t look comfortable as he does.
“That number one spot is Jordan Pickford’s with comfort.”
Such criticism may not be encouraging for the Leeds goalkeeper, but what do the statistics say about his actual performance?
The numbers behind Trafford’s England display against Spain
It cannot be overlooked that Trafford conceded three goals, although the opposition were the reigning world champions.
Those figures alone don’t fully reflect how he performed throughout the match.
Trafford still produced a save to deny Ferran Torres in the opening half, ensuring the Paris Saint-Germain forward remained off the scoresheet.
The 23-year-old also came off his line as a sweeper on one occasion, while recording two recoveries and one clearance.
Agbonlahor questioned his distribution, but Trafford still registered an 88 per cent pass completion rate.
The Leeds goalkeeper also completed six long passes as he attempted to launch attacks further up the pitch.
It may not have been the outing Trafford would have hoped for, but his display was not necessarily as disappointing as the criticism on talkSPORT suggested.
admin
