Joleon Lescott delivered switch suggestion throughout Vincent Kompany talks
Joleon Lescott has revealed he was consulted by shut good friend Vincent Kompany to ratify Burnley’s £19million signing of highly-rated goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City. The England Under-21 European Championships hero could possibly be tasked with maintaining his former employers at bay on Friday evening when the Premier League champions go to Turf Moor within the first match of the 2023/24 Premier League season.
But earlier than the Clarets launched their transfer, Kompany was eager to hunt assurances from pal Lescott, who has labored with the 20-year-old at youth stage at Manchester City and with England U21s, that Trafford was able to make the appreciable step and develop into a reliable Premier League No.1.
TNT Sport pundit Lescott defined: “Whatever he achieves, touch wood barring any unfortunate injuries, will not surprise me. I spoke to Vinny before they acquired him and I told him I’ve not seen a keeper that composed at that age. He’s very good.”
Trafford, who made a shocking last-gasp penalty save and response cease in England’s U21 Euro remaining victory over Spain, dazzled whereas on mortgage at Bolton Wanderers final season because the Trotters reached the League One play-offs after additionally lifting the EFL Trophy at Wembley Stadium.
Now he’s bidding to displace one other former Manchester City goalkeeper Arijanet Muric between the sticks at Turf Moor and Lescott is adamant he’s prepared for the challenges that lie forward following Burnley’s return to the top-flight.
The ex-Man City central defender added: “He’s ready for the Premier League. I think everyone sees the quality but his temperament is that he loves the game and nothing fazes him. He is not bothered by anything.
“He mentioned it in his interview after the sport, that he knew he would save a penalty and I genuinely imagine him. In no boastful manner in any respect, I feel he’s simply so comfy together with his high quality.
“He works extremely hard and is so aware of what it will take to have a top career. I have no doubt he will reach the very top of the game.”
Lescott wouldn’t be shocked to see City re-sign Trafford additional down the road, both, as he continued: “Potentially, he will end up back there. I don’t think City have made a mistake yet because Ederson is outstanding. He hasn’t played for City enough for them to miss him but James will go on to have an exceptional career. There is no doubt about it.”
Burnley have been the busiest Premier League group within the switch market, including 9 new recruits – together with Trafford – to Kompany’s ranks following final season’s Championship title success.
Basel centre-forward Zeki Amdouni, Jordan Beyer, Dara O’Shea, Michael Obafemi, Luca Koleosho, Nathan Redmond, Lawrence Vigouroux and Jacob Bruun Larsen are all by way of the door whereas Andros Townsend might but be a part of as a free agent.
The Clarets are focusing on Premier League survival however there isn’t any cause why 37-year-old tactician Kompany can not drive his new-look facet up the desk and away from hazard after committing his long-term future to the membership.
Lescott says the Belgian is beneath no illusions that Burnley are going to seek out it robust on their top-flight return following their unimaginable 101 factors haul final time period.
“Burnley are going to lose more than they did last year. He’s aware of that,” Lescott declared.
“I was with Vinny around Christmas, Wolves were bottom of the league and we were at City vs Wolves together. He was aware that if they played Wolves the following week, they would potentially lose. Vinny’s not naive to the fact they’ve won X amount of games, and that’s going to be the case. Vinny will be prepared for that and understand how to motivate his players.”
He additionally added that the latest managerial struggles of former Premier League stars Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard will not deter Kompany in his quest for fulfillment as a coach, stating: “I think he’ll be fine. It’s different expectation [to Lampard and Gerrard], the teams that Stevie and Frank managed weren’t expected to be in the situations they were in.
“Vinny will likely be ready and nothing Vinny does will shock me. He won’t go away any stone unturned. I do not suppose it will be simple, however Vincent is a really spectacular coach, a really spectacular man, and a really quick learner. I’m certain he’ll recognise what permits Burnley to remain within the league and check out to do this to one of the best of his capabilities.”
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