Look away James Trafford as Thomas Tuchel makes statement on Newcastle United star Nick Pope
Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford may be questioning his move to the club following Thomas Tuchel’s praise for Newcastle United star Nick Pope.
Trafford almost joined Newcastle from Burnley but ultimately made a move to Manchester City instead.
That has helped keep Pope as Newcastle United’s first-choice goalkeeper this season and while he hasn’t always totally convinced, his form has earned him an England recall.
Trafford, while third-choice, had previously been something of a fixture in Tuchel’s squad but his lack of football at City following the late arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma has seemingly cost him for now.
Pope will almost certainly take Trafford’s back-up role for upcoming games against Serbia and Albania. Still, working his way back into the fold this close to next summer’s World Cup gives him a fantastic chance to be included in the squad for the tournament.
Indeed, Tuchel’s latest comments will perhaps come as a blow to Trafford.
Photo by Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
What Thomas Tuchel has said about Nick Pope after he replaced James Trafford for England
The England manager lifted the lid on why he brought Pope back in from the proverbial international wilderness.
Tuchel talked of Pope’s contribution in the Champions League for Newcastle and how his selection was a reward for that.
“Nick plays a fantastic season for Newcastle,” said Tuchel (via England’s official website).
“He’s in shape and he’s contributing, he plays Champions League football on a regular basis.
“This was the camp now for us to reward him for that, to acknowledge him and show him our respect and appreciation for what he does for Newcastle and have the chance to get to know him.
“We see him live, we see him on TV but we want to meet the person and see and feel what he can bring to the team.”
Sadly for Trafford, that could have been him this season. He could have been the one regularly performing for Newcastle, who tracked him for two years.
Clearly, he’s joined a brilliant club in City and may still establish himself as their first-choice one day. However, Donnarumma is only 26 and has so far shown little need to be dropped.
Trafford’s failed move to Newcastle may not cost him for years and years. Still, the fact he’s joined a major club where competition for places is incredibly high may end up stopping him going to next summer’s World Cup.
