“During England Under-21s European Championship win, James Trafford made their second goal against Germany with a throw to Harvey Elliott. Which other goalkeepers have got an assist with their hands?” tweets Dan Griffin.
Elliott’s brilliant solo effort added more gloss to a tournament Trafford will never want to forget: no goals conceded, one created. Goalkeeper assists are increasingly common – there have been 95 in the Premier League era – though the majority involved a timely punt downfield rather than a throw.
Peter Schmeichel got the first of those 95 with a huge up and under at Bramall Lane on 15 August 1992. But his right arm was a much greater weapon than his right foot. When he joined Manchester U…