Gianluigi Donnarumma added presence in goal for Manchester City in his debut | OneFootball

Ahead of kick-off for yesterday’s Manchester derby, one of the biggest questions surrounding the Manchester City starting eleven was: Would Gianluigi Donnarumma start in goal? The Italian goalkeeper had only trained with his new team on a couple of occasions before yesterday’s match. Donnarumma did start for Manchester City in their 3-nil win over Manchester United. He put in a commanding display in goal, and he added a calming presence to his new team throughout yesterday’s match.

Gianluigi Donnarumma provided a calming presence to his new team.

From the start of yesterday’s match, it was clear that the occasion that is the Manchester derby wouldn’t prove to be daunting for Donnarumma. He slotted straight into Pep Guardiola’s side like an experienced goalkeeper that he is. Immediately, it stood out that Donnarumma provided a sense of calm for his team. Manchester City’s defence knew they had a world-class shot-stopper behind them. It wasn’t a coincidence that Manchester City’s best defensive performance of the season came with Donnarumma in goal. That isn’t a knock on James Trafford, but Donnarumma is a proven world-class goalkeeper, while Trafford is a young keeper looking to establish himself.

Gianluigi Donnarumma marshalled the City defence throughout yesterday’s match. He was in constant communication with his new teammates. Players like Donnarumma know what they expect from the players further up the pitch. Even though he has just joined Manchester City from PSG, that didn’t stop the Italian international from communicating with his teammates. City now has another leader at the back, and that can only be a good thing for Pep Guardiola’s side.

When Donnarumma was called into action at the Etihad, he showed why City were so eager to sign him.

Outside of his ability to communicate with Manchester City’s defence, when Gianluigi Donnarumma was called into action, his actions were emphatic. He wasn’t phased by the physical presence of the Manchester United players from corners. The Italian goalkeeper handled those with ease. He was calm in possession and did what he had to do to aid Manchester City’s build-up play.

But the big moments came when Donnarumma was forced to make a save. He made his first save as City keeper to deny a long-range Benjamin Sesko strike in the fourth minute. But the stand out moment came in the 61st minute when Gianluigi Donnarumma made a crucial save to prevent Bryan Mbeumo from making it 2-1 in the 61st minute. The Manchester United winger hit a stinging volley from a Patrick Dorgu cross, which seemed destined for the bottom corner. But Donnarumma made a stunning save low down to his right to keep the score at 2-nil. The reaction of Donnarumma’s teammates was telling. They all ran to their new teammate to celebrate his save. It came at a critical time and showed why City were so keen to sign the Italian international.

Summary.

The first glimpse of Gianluigi Donnarumma as a Manchester City goalkeeper was full of promise yesterday. With Ederson now gone, City needed a quality keeper to replace him. They have that in Donnarumma and his presence and shot-stopping stood out in Manchester City’s derby win over Manchester United.