Nigel Martyn is widely regarded as one of Leeds United’s greatest ever goalkeepers.
Between 1996 and 2002, the goalkeeper racked up 273 appearances for United. (LUFCHistory)
Martyn was an integral part of the side under David O’Leary, who consistently competed in Europe as well as at the top end of the Premier League.
When Martyn moved to Everton in 2003, I don’t think any Leeds supporter could imagine the trouble the club would have when it came to consistently finding another reliable shot-stopper.
Fast forward to 2026, it looks like Leeds have finally found a long-term solution to their goalkeeping issue. The stats would certainly suggest so.
James Trafford leads the Premier League in remarkable statistic
When James Trafford’s £40million move from Manchester City to Leeds was confirmed over the summer, Martyn was used in the club’s unveiling of their new shot-stopper.
It was a clear message from the 49ers that after years of having liabilities between the sticks, Leeds now finally have a top-class goalkeeper once again.
It certainly wasn’t the most entertaining affair, but the 0-0 draw against Sunderland means the Whites sit in 7th place after their opening eight Premier League games.
Following the game, Opta’s Jonny Cooper posted a remarkable stat about Trafford and the rest of the Leeds defence.
So far, we’ve only conceded six goals in the Premier League, which is the second fewest behind Arsenal, who have only conceded five.
To put this into perspective, by this time last season, we had already conceded 13 goals.
A large part of this is down to Trafford, who boasts the best save percentage of any goalkeeper in the Premier League with 82%.
James Trafford was our best player against Sunderland
Whilst we were a frustrating watch at the Stadium of Light from an attacking standpoint, we were defensively solid once again, recording our 4th clean sheet of the season in 10 games in all competitions.
It was one of those games where it became apparent it would be a struggle to score. So if you can’t win it, don’t lose it!
And for my money, Trafford was our best player yesterday as Daniel Farke’s men returned to West Yorkshire with a point and a clean sheet
During the game, Trafford more than earned his clean sheet.
He made four saves, including one save from a shot that came inside the box. He also made three successful high claims, two punches and his only run out of the game was successful.
Trafford also finished the game with a goals prevented of 0.85. (Sofascore)
Over two decades ago, it was Martyn who was in goal for those European nights at Elland Road. Already this season, Trafford has proved that he too is capable of playing at that level one day.
Now it’s just on the 49ers to continue to build a team around him that is capable of qualifying for Europe in the coming years.
