Goalkeeping icon Paul Robinson understands the grind required to be the No.1 for both Leeds United and the England team.

He believes that James Trafford has the chance to etch his name into the history of Elland Road and the England national team as he gears up to face Manchester United.

Since his £45m record-breaking transfer from Manchester City this summer, Trafford has quickly captured the hearts of Leeds supporters.

However, the 24-year-old encountered a challenge during last week’s defeat against reigning champions Arsenal, marking his first hurdle since Daniel Farke named him the clear first-choice keeper.

Yet, Robinson, a Leeds legend, is confident that Trafford possesses the character to rebound from that setback when Leeds takes on their arch-rivals, Manchester United, this Sunday.

Given the right circumstances, Robinson believes Trafford has all the qualities to follow in the footsteps of himself and fellow great Nigel Martyn, who both excelled for Leeds and England.

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Robinson shared his insights with The Sun through Hellotickets.com, stating, “The key to any legacy or being remembered among players at a club is longevity, consistently performing at a high level as No.1.

“We’re in the early stages of his Leeds career and just starting the season, but if his performance continues at this level over the coming years, he’ll certainly be part of those discussions.

“It’s crucial for him to maintain this standard and for Leeds to secure their place in the Premier League, which they seem well set to do this season due to their strong start.”

Robinson, who rose through Leeds’ academy to make 119 appearances before moving to Tottenham in 2004 following relegation, remarked, “His body language reflects how he embraces the No.1 position.

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“There are two kinds of goalkeepers. Some prefer having a reliable number two, always on edge about playing each week. Others enjoy the confidence and prestige of being the number one in training and the dressing room.

“James Trafford appears to thrive in that role.”

Farke successfully guided Leeds to safety last season after their promotion and reached the FA Cup semi-finals.

With the club’s ambitious owners already planning to expand Elland Road, the squad has been bolstered with the addition of £34.1m Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic, free transfer Harry Wilson, and Trafford over the summer.

The encouraging start to the season has excited fans, and a victory against bitter rivals United would further boost their confidence in pursuing European football.

Robinson, who stepped in for the injured Martyn during Leeds’ storied Champions League semi-final run in 2001, commented, “It feels like a great time to be involved with the club, and they are in a fantastic position.

“They’re progressing in all areas, both on and off the field. Yet, it’s essential to manage expectations as success often brings them.

“Leeds needed to stay in the Premier League last year, which they achieved, and this season there’s talk of them being an established Premier League team or potentially contending for Europe, whereas at the season’s start, the conversation revolved around avoiding relegation again.

“They have the building blocks in place to aim for European spots once more. Natural expectations will arise due to their strong performances, but the foundations this group has laid suggest they have every chance to push on for European relevance.

“They are indeed focused on the top half of the table rather than looking below them, for sure. They appear to be a well-established Premier League side with the potential to advance.”