The reveal that proves why Leeds ace James Trafford should get his England chance

James Trafford has already made a big impression for Leeds United.

The Whites forked out a club-record fee to sign the goalkeeper from Manchester City during the summer transfer window.

Indeed, Leeds could up paying around £45million for Trafford, who solved a real problem area for Daniel Farke's side in the summer.

The 23-year-old has already been proving he was worth the outlay in a Leeds shirt with a string of top-drawer performances.

He has been the last line of defence in a Leeds team that is still unbeaten in the Premier League, with two wins and three draws from five matches.

And a new stat reveal has shown just how good he has been in the early stages of the 2026/27 campaign.

What has been revealed about Leeds goalkeeper James Trafford?

Trafford had plenty of suitors for his services during the summer transfer window.

But ultimately it was Leeds who run the race given the promise of first-team football they could provide.

Trafford cut a frustrated figure at the Etihad Stadium last season, after Gianluigi Donnarumma was signed just weeks following his return to City.

Now, though, he is the undisputed first choice in a Leeds shirt, and Opta data specialist, and Leeds supporter, Jonny Cooper posted a new stat about Trafford on X.

Cooper revealed how Trafford's save percentage rate of 87 per cent in all competitions so far this season ranks as the second best across European football.

Indeed, there is a Leeds connection to top spot, with Cagliari's Elia Caprile - an unused sub eight times under Marcelo Bielsa - top of the rankings at 91 per cent.

James Trafford compared to Jordan Pickford

It is a very impressive stat, and one that suggests Trafford should get an opportunity to play for England in the next few weeks.

England face four games during the international break, facing off with Spain, Croatia and Czechia (twice).

Jordan Pickford has been England's undisputed number one now for the best part of a decade, and he has played in two European Championship finals and two World Cup semi-finals in that time.

Now aged 32, at some point England will have to think about his successor and you have to believe Trafford is in pole position to don the gloves.

In the Premier League this season, no one has made more saves (20) than Trafford, with Pickford ranking eighth with 15.

In the top flight alone, Trafford's save percentage is still a hugely impressive 87 per cent, and Pickford is next on the list at 83.3 per cent.

When it comes to goals prevented, Pickford has the edge over Trafford (1.6 to 0.9) but both stoppers have the fewest goals actually conceded (level on three).

Pickford might not be ready to give up his spot without a fight, but Trafford has proven that should at least get the opportunity to prove he can be the long-term successor.