James Trafford in a Leeds United kit, with Daniel Farke alongside him and Elland Road in the background

James Trafford and Daniel FarkeBreaking Media

Leeds United player power rankings - James Trafford drops after England drama, attacker rises

Assistant Editor AUTHORITY Senior editor responsible for daily news flow, sub-hub management, and maintaining editorial standards across the site network. FOCUS Editorial oversight, newsroom workflow, and verified reporting. THE BRIEF Former Leeds United correspondent Mark has risen through the ranks at Breaking Media Limited to manage the network’s daily output. He works between the reporters and the experts to ensure the data and the news are applied correctly to every story.

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29 Sep 2026, 5:10 pm

James Trafford has been the talk of England over the past week away from Leeds United.

The Whites made Trafford their record signing this summer, paying £40million to Manchester City.

He's repaid that faith already and has helped Leeds to fifth in the Premier League.

With that, comes added recognition, and Trafford started for England in their 3-2 defeat against world champions, Spain.

Daniel Farke will be delighted with his keeper, but many keep dragging up the same old argument with Jordan Pickford.

As that drama continues, several others have been flying on international duty, as MOT Leeds News select their updated power rankings.

5 - Ao Tanaka

Dropping one spot from last week, Tanaka is currently away from Elland Road with Japan.

Despite his stunning start to the Premier League season, he's started on the bench twice now for the Blue Samarai.

While Leeds and Farke will be happy with his fitness, Tanaka will want more from his remaining fixtures.

4 - James Trafford

Third last week, it can't have been the most enjoyable weeks for the keeper.

Despite Thomas Tuchel confirming that Trafford and Pickford will play two games each in this break, the narrative has all been around why the Everton keeper is better.

That isn't the case at all, and Pickford would have conceded the same, if not more against Spain at Wembley.

Nobody can excuse how shocking the English defence was, with all three goals caused by their individual mistakes.

Trafford may be glad to get back to LS11, but he'll have another chance against Czechia on Tuesday to silence those doubters, that certainly aren't from Leeds.

Three goals, one big Leeds United talking point: James Trafford vs Spain

3 - Dominic Calvert-Lewin

This week's big mover is Calvert-Lewin, which may sound strange.

Fifth last week, he moves up to third despite only playing seven minutes at Wembley for the Three Lions.

Harry Kane is always going to start, but being given the chance to replace him in a game against opposition like Spain, is brilliant.

Working alongside the Premier League legend closely, possibly even one-on-one given they're the only two strikers in camp, will only help him too.

Leeds will be delighted with that.

2 - Jayden Bogle

The only player on this list who isn't on international duty.

Bogle possibly does more running than anybody in this Leeds side, so giving him that rest is critical.

He's already popped up with crucial goals and assists this season, and his attacking output may be critical in tough games to come against the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United.