Haaland hails Donnarumma for debut display in Manchester derby | OneFootball

Erling Haaland has hailed the debut of Gianluigi Donnarumma in the derby win over Manchester United.

Donnarumma arrived at City right at the end of the summer transfer window to add competition to a goalkeeping unit already boasting talented professionals in fellow new arrival James Trafford, Stefan Ortega and Marcus Bettenelli.

Donnarumma, a Champions League winner with PSG last season, came into the starting line-up for Sunday’s epic clash with our neighbours and kept a clean sheet, helped by a stunning save from Bryan Mbuema in the second half when the game was finely balanced.

Haaland, Player of the Match in the 3-0 triumph, was impressed with what he saw.

TICKETS | CITY V NAPOLI

“Don’t forget Gianluigi Donnarumma at the back - it’s easy to not speak about him because all the others played so well,” said Haaland.

“But he also had an amazing game and a clean sheet. A fantastic debut for him.

“He’s probably one of the most experienced players in the squad - he started played when he was 16-years-old.

“He’s an amazing keeper and we saw that - we knew it before too.

“He’s going to be massively important for us.”

Haaland also spoke glowingly about the performance of wing wonder Jeremy Doku who was at his scintillating best in the exciting Etihad encounter.

He set up Phil Foden for the opener and Haaland himself for the vital second before threading the No.9 through for another glorious chance just before the Norwegian added the vital third of the afternoon.

The Belgian’s impact wasn’t lost on the two-time Golden Boot winner.

“Jeremy played really well - it’s amazing to see to this.

“This is his level, and this is what we know he can do. He has to continue at this level.”