Lee Carsley hailed James Trafford, after the Manchester City youngster produced a last-gasp penalty save to win the the European Championships for the England U21s.
Trafford became a hero last night, after denying Abel Ruiz from the spot right at the death.
England were 1-0 up after Cole Palmer’s free-kick deflected in off Curtis Jones at the end of the first-half.
But Spain had a chance to take the game to extra-time, when Levi Colwill conceded a penalty.
But it wasn’t to be for them, with Trafford getting down low to thwart Ruiz.
Trafford then got up quickly to save a follow up attempt, before the ball was eventually blazed over.
It was an incredible and dramatic moment for Trafford, who finished the tournament without conceding.
It is something that raises his stock and profile, and a moment he himself will never forget.
And after the game, he came in for special praise from manager Carsley.
Lee Carsley hails James Trafford after amazing penalty save for England against Spain
Predictably, it’s been all about Trafford since last night’s game ended.
The star is coming in for praise left, right and centre. Even Gary Lineker acknowledged his heroics.
But after the game, there was a really nice word from Carsley about Trafford.
The former Everton midfielder was delighted for the youngster, and believes his incredible mentality will take him really far in his career.
Referencing the youngster’s imminent move to Burnley, he said (via BBC Sport): “Wherever he goes and wherever he plays, he’s got a really top mentality.
“He’s been outstanding through the tournament. Not conceding a goal is a great achievement. He’s been a really important part of us playing out from the back and playing through.
“You always worry – you’re mindful when there’s transfer things going on in the background and how that affects the players.
“There’s three or four of them that have things going on in the background. The big thing for us is that he understood we were there to support him.”
Man City are smart for including buy-back clause on James Trafford
These are some lovely comments from Carsley about Trafford, who must be on cloud nine after last night.
The 20-year-old looks a top prospect, and clearly his mentality is very strong.
Talent is one thing, but having a strong mentality counts for so much in professional sport.
City are losing a youngster with serious potential.
But fans can take some comfort in the fact that the club have apparently included a buy-back option in the £19 million deal that will take him to Burnley (via BBC Sport).
Quite possibly, we may well be seeing Trafford head back to the Etihad one day.
