With a staggering 27 clean sheets in 38 games and just 11 goals conceded, James Trafford is a formidable last line of defence at promotion-chasing Burnley – and a trump card if they end up in a play-off penalty shoot-out
It’s a big statement about a goalkeeper who has yet to win a full international cap. But Burnley defender CJ Egan-Riley believes James Trafford will go on to become one of the world ’s top keepers.
Trafford reported for England duty this week fortified by the Clarets’ astonishing defensive record – just 11 goals conceded, with 27 clean sheets in 38 games.
And EFL Young Player of the Month Egan-Riley says Trafford is destined for the top, regardless of whether Burnley win automatic promotion in their three-way battle with Leeds and Sheffield United at the Championship summit.
If the Clarets end up in the play-offs and it boils down to a penalty shoot-out, Trafford will be a formidable barrier – he saved two Wilson Isidor spot-kicks in the last 11 minutes of their 0-0 draw with Sunderland at Turf Moor.
Egan Riley said: “For me, he’s simply the best. I’ve known ‘Traf’ for 10 years now, since we came through the academy at Manchester City, and he’s a really close friend on and off the pitch. As a defender you feel so comfortable knowing he’s behind you and we have so much trust in him.
“He’s part of the current England squad and, for me, Traf will go on to become one of the best keepers in the world – that’s how highly we rate him. Whenever we’ve needed him this season, he’s stepped up to the plate and we’ve been able to count on him. He’s one of my favourite people.
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“The great thing about Traf is his self-belief – he’s such a positive character to have around the dressing room. If you make a mistake, it’s so reassuring to know he’s there to dig you out of trouble. The confidence he gives us as a back four, and as a team, is a huge asset.”
Egan-Riley is a key component of Burnley manager Scott Parker’s back four as the best-dressed man on the touchline in English football bids to complete a hat-trick of promotions to the top flight with three different clubs.
Only Neil Warnock (four clubs) has enjoyed more prolific success at that level and Egan-Riley said: “The boss has had two promotions from this league already with Fulham and Bournemouth, so he’s well versed in climbing out of the Championship.
“That’s why we all trust him, and although we get a lot of praise for our defensive record, it’s important to point out that it’s a collective effort. All the best teams defend from the front. Keeping clean sheets and a sound defensive record gives us the foundation to do what we want to do in this league.
“When you go on a streak of not conceding for 12 games, the becomes the basis and the springboard to collect points. If you keep the back door shut, and the ball out of your net, that’s always a good platform to win football matches.
“There are two sides to football – scoring goals and keeping them out. Defending is half the battle, and being solid at the back gives you a chance in the Premier League.”
Egan-Riley is a among the platoon of former Manchester City academy graduates now finding their feet in first-team football elsewhere.
Among his contemporaries Cole Palmer, Liam Delap, Morgan Rogers and Taylor Harwood-Bellis have all impressed in the Premier League and he said: “I’ve known some of them since I was five years old and I’m not surprised to see how they are doing because I’ve seen their quality from an early age.
“We just needed a chance to show what we can do and I only want the best for them because we grew up together in the youth team and I’m happy to see them doing well at the top end of the professional game.
“They were a massive part of my football journey and I want to keep improving to show I can get to that level as well.”
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