Neville ‘wouldn’t pick Raya’ over ‘animal’ Donnarumma – video | OneFootball

Gary Neville believes Gigio Donnarumma has already had a ‘big impact’ at Manchester City and even if he’ll ‘make some mistakes’ he ‘does the right things.’

Manchester United legend Neville praised Italy captain Donnarumma after Manchester City’s 1-1 draw against Arsenal on Sunday.

The Italy international conceded his first goal at Man City in the stoppages when Gabriel Martinelli beat him with a chip finish.

Neville defends Donnarumma

epa10382940 Former Manchester United’s player Gary Neville speaks before the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool FC and Leicester City in Liverpool, Britain, 30 December 2022. EPA-EFE/Adam Vaughan.

Neville felt Donnarumma was right to step off his line in an effort to block the Arsenal winger’s late attempt.

“Every goalkeeper is going to make a mistake, but make a mistake doing the right things. If you come out and punch, you don’t quite get it right, I’ve got no problem with that because you punched and you were brave and tried to do the right thing,” Neville told Sky Sports UK.

“I’ve got a problem when goalkeepers hide on the line and disappear into their shoulders.

Neville ‘wouldn’t pick Raya over Donnarumma’

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 14: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Manchester City celebrates after Erling Haaland (not pictured) scored their sides second goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

“You look at Donnarumma, and he’s an animal. He’s big. When he comes for it, he makes strikers think about it because they’re going to get a bash in the head.

“He’s a fantastic goalkeeper. He’s the type of goalkeeper I’ve always enjoyed. I liked Alisson at Liverpool. I like Raya, but I wouldn’t pick Raya over Donnarumma or Alisson. I love massive goalkeepers. It makes a massive difference.

BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy warms up prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

“He’s very good at what he does. He’ll make some mistakes along the way, and that’s fine, but he does the right things. He’s had a big impact at Man City already.”