Match of the Day studio wowed by 'top-class' James Trafford footage in Sunderland vs Leeds
James Trafford has been collecting praise from Leeds United's 0-0 draw against Sunderland.
The Whites would have gone to the Stadium of Light with every intention to pick up all three points on Sunday.
However, a point away from home, at a tough ground, is still a positive outcome in the conditions of Storm Boelo.
The Black Cats proved to be a difficult opponent, and the scoreline was perhaps a fair result based on both outfits' performance.
But, according to Match of the Day duo, Toby Alderweireld and Ashley Williams, the result could have been much different.
With Trafford hailed as the difference maker on Sunday afternoon.
Toby Alderweireld and Ashley Williams agree on James Trafford vs Sunderland
Trafford continues to highlight the importance of an excellent goalkeeper between the sticks.
When things aren't going quite right in the final third, he has saved Leeds on a number of occasions.
Against Sunderland was perhaps his most influential performance yet, with Daniel Farke's side picking up a point in a goalless draw.
With Trafford's display sparking plenty of post-match reaction.
Speaking on BBC Match of the Day 2, Alderweireld kicked things off by reacting to footage of saves from the Leeds goalkeeper.
He said: "Here, a good touch [from Brian Brobbey] and it got deflected. And Trafford made a good save. Here as well, putting pressure.
"He did a wonderful body movement. And then Trafford made an unbelievable save. You're going to see in the replay, look. Yeah, Trafford, very, very good save."
He continued to say: "Again, a good save by Trafford, it doesn't look difficult, but with the bounce, he touches it very good.
"Here again, Angulo with a good save for Trafford. So, yeah, I think for me, Trafford was the man of the match."
Williams would respond to the Belgian after being told Trafford's 82 per cent save rate is the highest in the Premier League this season.
He stated: "Yeah, really, really impressed with him today. I think both teams went at it. Both teams wanted the win.
"They did what they had to do. I think that probably Sunderland would have won if it weren't for Trafford's good goalkeeping and also really comfortable in possession.
"But the saves that you've just mentioned are top-class."
Unfortunately, the forwards were unable to reward Trafford on the other end of the pitch for his efforts on this occasion, but performances like that from the Englishman hand Leeds a platform to win games.
How influential has Trafford truly been for Leeds?
It is not outlandish to say that the LS11 outfit would not be where they are this season without Trafford.
Having an 82 per cent save percentage is an outrageously high statistic and just goes to show how in-form the Englishman is.
And it is not like he is barely facing any shots either.
In the 2026-27 season, Trafford is in the 92nd percentile for saves as per FotMob, showcasing that he is dealing with plenty of action in front of him.
The Leeds goalkeeper is also in the 88th percentile for goals prevented, with a total of 1.96.
With Leeds having five draws, preventing close to two goals is instrumental, as just one finish could have changed the result of one of their results this season.