James Trafford has received recognition from the Carabao Cup for his performances in the semi-final, but there are still questions being raised about the goalkeeper’s future.
Recently, Ally McCoist claimed Arsenal had a better squad than Manchester City. Whether this is true or not is debatable, but City are certainly not struggling when it comes to having depth in the goalkeeper position.
Pep Guardiola’s team brought James Trafford to the club last summer and before the transfer window ended, Gianluigi Donnarumma was also added to the squad.
This has provided the manager with two very strong options to choose from, which has benefitted Man City.
However, having to regularly take up a place on the bench is an undesirable position to be in and it is for this reason that Trafford could leave Man City.
James Trafford wins Carabao Cup player of the round
Despite Trafford’s struggles for minutes, he has started every one of Man City’s domestic cup fixtures this season, including their recent League Cup semi-final clashes against Newcastle.
The Englishman was excellent as his team clinched a 5-1 victory on aggregate and he has been recognised for his displays by being named the Carabao Cup player of the round.
Trafford told Manchester City: “It’s great to be named Carabao Cup Player of the Round.
“Individual awards are always nice, but they come from the work of the whole team — the lads in front of me were brilliant throughout both games and made my job a lot easier.
“We now focus on the final in a few weeks’ time. We’re all looking forward to the opportunity to go to Wembley and to try to win the trophy together.”
Trafford is unlikely to remain at Man City
Trafford has a good record in the Carabao and FA Cups this season, but Man City have suffered three defeats in four games outside these competitions when the shot-stopper has started.
Guardiola rarely starts him in what he considers to be City’s most important fixtures and so a summer departure feels almost inevitable at this stage.
Especially since the club are already actively searching for replacements, with a recent report revealing Man City are chasing Robin Roefs.
