James Trafford's secret talent as Newcastle target's penalty record examined
Newcastle United have once again reignited their interest in goalkeeper James Trafford, and it is clear to see why.
Many would assume that a deal would be straightforward for the Magpies, with the player desperate for minutes, and not getting that at the Etihad Stadium.
Despite being signed by Pep Guardiola, in a deal that appeared to be making him the number-one choice, he was quickly replaced by Gianluigi Donnarumma between the sticks.
Very few would blame the shot-stopper were he to be frustrated with his current situation, and St James' Park could be the idea destination for him this summer.
Going from a record-breaking clean sheet run in the Championship to sitting on Man City's bench each week is enough to make any player go mad.
Luckily for him, after missing out on him in consecutive transfer windows, Eddie Howe's side remain interested in bringing him in as Nick Pope's successor.
James Trafford thrives under penalty pressure
As well as being calm in possession and plucking the ball out of the air, Trafford also thrived under pressure when it comes to penalty shootouts.
Football fans were instantly alarmed to the goalkeeper's talents when he saved a title-winning penalty in the 98th minute of England Under-21s Euro final win over Spain in 2023.
That was just the start. At senior club level, Trafford has a 50 per cent save rate on penalties, excluding shootouts, with two of his stops coming in Burnley's thrilling draw against Sunderland in 2024-25.
Wilson Isidor was denied twice in the final stages of the game, with the goalkeeper earning hero status at Turf Moor, before earning a move back to the Etihad.
His most recent save came during Man City's 4-0 romping of Liverpool in the FA Cup, thwarting the one and only Mohamed Salah from 12 yards.
So, what's the Man City gem's hidden talent?
It is not just Trafford's ability to stop penalties that could persuade the Magpies into striking a deal for his services this summer.
The 23-year-old is also renowned for his shooting from the spot, often stepping up in practice drills to fire one past the back-up goalkeeper.
Former Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper coach Matt Gilks has previously spoken about his hidden talent, saying that he would regularly step up in training.
While he is yet to take one in the professional game, it is believed that he often had the chance to impress during his younger years, chanelling the inner-Ederson in him.
He also told Sky Sports about a moment with Guardiola. When asked what he wanted if he could save a penalty from the manager, he requested to start the next game for Man City.
Unsurprisingly, he stopped the Catalan in his tracks, beating away the former midfielder's strike, only to be left on the bench for the upcoming fixture. Harsh.