With James Trafford having left Manchester City to sign for Leeds United this summer, Gianluigi Donnarumma is Manchester City’s first-choice goalkeeper. Gerónimo Rulli has been signed by City to be Donnarumma’s backup. When on form, Donnarumma is one of the top goalkeepers in world football. His resume speaks for itself. However, after a season at City there is still a prevailing thought that Donnarumma isn’t the right fit in goal for his team.
The simple answer to this question is that if Donnarumma makes the saves that are required and slightly improves in two areas of his game, the doubts surrounding Donnarumma’s fit at Manchester City will soon fade away.
There are two areas of Donnarumma’s game that must improve.
The first obvious area of Donnarumma’s game that must improve are his work with his feet. In an Enzo Maresca side, the goalkeeper plays an important role in the buildup play from the back. Donnarumma is serviceable in this regard. At times he does look hesitant in possession and on other occasions he looks nervous. Arsenal varied their press on Donnarumma in the FA Community Shield. At times, they stood off the Italian goalkeeper, forcing him to make a decision. This isn’t his strongest suit. On other occasions, they did try and press Donnarumma. He did look to handle Arsenal’s press slightly better at the Principality Stadium.
Jack Gaughan has reported for the Daily Mail that Enzo Maresca is devising solutions to aid Donnarumma’s play when in possession. Building up with three defenders instead of two is one tweak Manchester City have trialled. This should aid Donnarumma’s play in an area that isn’t his strong suit. It will be interesting to see how that develops throughout the 2026-27 season.
The other area of Donnarumma’s game that needs to improve is his ability to deal with set-pieces. Set-pieces have become crucial in the Premier League. If Donnarumma can take command of his area in a strong fashion this upcoming season, that should help Manchester City. It would be expected that Donnarumma will become more imposing in goal after having a season in England to adjust to how football is played in England.
If Donnarumma improves this season the question about his fit at Manchester City will fade away.
No one should be expecting Gianluigi Donnarumma to become elite with his feet. Just more decisive when on the ball which would represent a positive step. Also, if Donnarumma commands his better at set-pieces that would be a great sign.
Gianluigi Donnarumma is arguably the best shot-stopping goalkeeper in world football. His resume says as much as do his performances. Donnarumma made a string of important saves throughout the 2025-26 season which did win points for Manchester City. That does get overlooked at times when Donnarumma’s fit at City is discussed. If Donnarumma can slightly improve in two aspects of his play during the 2026-27 season, the questions about his fit in goal at Manchester City will dissipate.