Former Manchester City and England goalkeeper David James has revealed who he would select to recreate his iconic moment in Premier League football the time he was deployed as a striker and it’s not new signing Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with City Xtra, James shared his thoughts on Manchester City’s goalkeeping situation under Pep Guardiola, offering insight into the challenges faced by James Trafford and how Donnarumma’s arrival has shifted the balance in the goalkeeping department.
City’s Goalkeeping Competition Intensifies
Manchester City continue their strong start to the season, heading into their Premier League clash with Aston Villa after an impressive UEFA Champions League victory over Villarreal — extending their unbeaten streak to eight matches in all competitions.
Since joining from Paris Saint-Germain in a £26 million deadline-day transfer in September, Donnarumma has kept five clean sheets in his first eight matches, quickly becoming Guardiola’s first-choice goalkeeper. His performances have left questions over the future of young English shot-stopper James Trafford, who has not featured in the Premier League since August’s defeat at Brighton.
While Guardiola previously promised Trafford more playing time, the Italian international’s consistency and commanding presence between the posts have made him difficult to displace. Inside the club, there’s acceptance that while Donnarumma cannot match Ederson’s ball-playing ability, his traditional goalkeeping strengths have added a new layer of security.
David James Chooses Trafford Over Donnarumma
Asked by City Xtra on behalf of AskGamblers which of City’s goalkeepers he would pick to play as a striker, David James responded with a surprising choice: James Trafford.
“I’m going to say James Trafford because Gianluigi Donnarumma – and I say this respectfully – he’s more of a target man. He’s six foot seven,” James explained. “I think he’d just hold up play, while Stefan Ortega would probably sit in midfield playing short passes. But Trafford has a bit more in his locker.”
James’ comment was a playful nod to his own famous moment when he was moved up front for Manchester City during a Premier League match in 2005 — an experiment that remains one of the league’s most memorable goalkeeping stories. Despite the friendly snub, Donnarumma is unlikely to take offense, given his stellar start at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola and his staff, meanwhile, will be delighted with how the Italian has adapted. Donnarumma’s signing has been widely hailed as one of the best transfers of the summer window, bringing world-class stability to the backline after Ederson’s departure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why did David James choose James Trafford over Gianluigi Donnarumma?
A: James believes Trafford has more versatility and attacking flair, whereas Donnarumma would act more as a physical target man due to his height and build.
Q: How has Donnarumma performed since joining Manchester City?
A: Donnarumma has made an excellent start, keeping five clean sheets in eight matches since his £26 million move from PSG.
Q: What did Pep Guardiola say about James Trafford’s chances this season?
A: Guardiola assured Trafford would get opportunities to compete for the starting spot, though Donnarumma’s form has limited his Premier League minutes.
Q: What is the significance of David James’ “striker” moment?
A: In a famous Premier League match, James was brought on as an emergency striker — a decision that has since become a legendary football moment.
Q: Who else did David James mention during the interview?
A: He also referenced Stefan Ortega, suggesting he would play in midfield if pushed outfield, showing the playful nature of his analysis.
Conclusion
David James’ remarks highlight the growing intrigue around Manchester City’s goalkeeping setup. While Gianluigi Donnarumma continues to impress as the club’s new No. 1, James Trafford remains a developing talent with potential to become a future star. Guardiola’s challenge will be managing both goalkeepers’ ambitions while maintaining stability between the posts as City aim to defend their Premier League and European titles.
