For me, Gigi has shown two or three key aspects to his game, and they don’t all flatter him.If you believe certain people then Maresca has been the number one replacement for Pep for a long time so surely we weren't mental enough to go and sign Donna for a big fee and contract knowing full well the next man in doesnt want him.
Maybe it was always expected Donna would be here for a couple years to finish out pep's contract, try win another CL etc.
I dont think we would struggle to sell him but still.
1. Brilliant shotstopper and the size to cut down angles very well.
2. Poor domination of his 6 yard box on dead balls and crosses. Soft af from corners for a 2m keeper with a serious wingspan.
3. Joe Hart-like footwork.
4. Spills and parries far more balls than I would like to see from a City #1.
I think Trafford has shown himself to be, or the potential to be, an improvement in 2 through 4, and possibly even 1…with the added advantage of being young and English.
Post-WC26, I think he has the potential to become Englands #1 for a decade and we would be foolish to let him leave for anything less than an eye-watering price, and even then I’d be hard-pressed to sacrifice him.
It feels crazy to say Gigi does not appear to be built for the rough and tumble of the PL. He moans like a porn star and has more yellow cards than 80% of the first team, usually because he’s flopped about and no-one has fallen for it. Then, in the next minute, he makes an unbelievable save!
I think he’s destined for a return to Italy, because I think Maresca would prefer to elevate Trafford to #1 solely on his “keeper sweeper” capabilities.
May we live in interesting times…