25 | Gianluigi Donnarumma - 2025/26

[FromPollockToSilva]

Makes a huge difference that we’re not conceding from the first shot on target in half our matches.

Well we did against Burnley and Monaco

 

[the old abbey]

Love his body language when we score,only been here 5 mins but looks like he's one of us already.

 

[surprisedbygrass]

Given the apparent shift in the game towards playing for set-pieces, long throws and piling the ball into a crowded box at every available opportunity, Donnarumma is the ideal keeper.

That's what we saw at Arsenal away . The set piece kings didn't get a sniff from corners or long throws . No one wanted to get in his way, just like Joe Corrigan.

 

[TFC]

I think his presence has improved our defence hugely, and even when there is a cock up you feel secure that he's at least going to have a go at saving something ;)

 

[5 Hit Gibbon]

Where's all the cunts now in the media, who were saying he was a bad signing and wouldn't fit in here, as he couldn't play with his feet?

 

[mcfcpride]

It’s amazing how Donnarumma silenced the haters in just a few games

 

[Coljj]

 

[BlueMoonAcrossThePond]

It’s amazing how Donnarumma silenced the haters in just a few games

Let's be clear.

Donnarumma brings a skill set that's miles apart from Ederson.

Donnarumma is by far the better shot stopper - but by equal measure, the far worse on ball.

Under Donnarumma our defense has improved - but out ability to build from the back is worse.

As a result our strategy isn't fixed- sometimes this (park the bus) - sometimes that (high line, ball control). We've lost a clear identity and focus, IMO. I can't see how this is a winning formula in the long run. This isn't a criticism against Donnarumma who is world class at shot stopping - but rather a critique of our management/signings.

 

[Nevizade]

It’s amazing how Donnarumma silenced the haters in just a few games

It's almost as if he's the best goalkeeper in the world.

 

[lonestay]

Let's be clear.

Donnarumma brings a skill set that's miles apart from Ederson.

Donnarumma is by far the better shot stopper - but by equal measure, the far worse on ball.

Under Donnarumma our defense has improved - but out ability to build from the back is worse.

As a result our strategy isn't fixed- sometimes this (park the bus) - sometimes that (high line, ball control). We've lost a clear identity and focus, IMO. I can't see how this is a winning formula in the long run. This isn't a criticism against Donnarumma who is world class at shot stopping - but rather a critique of our management/signings.

So are you saying we should have found a goalkeeper who is good with his feet to maintain our identity and focus ? If you are who is that goalkeeper ? I have asked this question a few times to various people on this forum, and nobody has supplied a name so far for this mythical man between the posts.
It would seem that Pep and his team can't find a name either, so went for the best goalkeeper in the world instead, and will work it out from there . Genuinely interested in who you think would be the right man for the job .

 

[super_city_si]

I don't have sleepless nights now Donnarumma is with City.

Watching the 'return of the long throw' in the PL, I can't help but think just how much Ederson would panic in that situation, and I'm glad he's not around any more.

I think thats unfair, Ederson commanded his area very well and claimed more than his fair share of crosses.

But shot stopping is night and day.

 

[BlueMoonAcrossThePond]

So are you saying we should have found a goalkeeper who is good with his feet to maintain our identity and focus ? If you are who is that goalkeeper ? I have asked this question a few times to various people on this forum, and nobody has supplied a name so far for this mythical man between the posts.
It would seem that Pep and his team can't find a name either, so went for the best goalkeeper in the world instead, and will work it out from there . Genuinely interested in who you think would be the right man for the job .

I replied to your "silencing the haters" quote because I don't see any haters.

Pep has decided to play a more defensively oriented keeper in goal and that's worked - we've the best offense in the league and are joint 6th-best in goals against, with 2 of the 5 goals against us scored before Donnarumma arrived. It's clear that Donnarumma has played a major role in our success.

If someone points out that our build up play isn't as good under Donnarumma, it's an observation - not a criticism or indeed "hating."

 

[69FACUPfinal]

It's almost as if he's the best goalkeeper in the world.

I love him already, I liked Eddie, and whilst he was great with his feet and really was a beast in the CL final, Gigi for me is a proper old fashioned goalie. My most desperate wish footy wise in thr next 6 weeks, apart from us keeping on a winning run is for Gigi to save Mo Salads obligatory pk at the Etihad when they play and we are leading 2-1 in injury time!! Feck I know me nerves won't take it, but I'm sick of that Peter Sutcliffe lookylikey scoring against us every time, and there's always a penno thrown in there as part of their contract with red cartel biased officialdom.

Yep, Gigi for me,he's a keeper - literally!!

 

[lonestay]

I replied to your "silencing the haters" quote because I don't see any haters.

Pep has decided to play a more defensively oriented keeper in goal and that's worked - we've the best offense in the league and are joint 6th-best in goals against, with 2 of the 5 goals against us scored before Donnarumma arrived. It's clear that Donnarumma has played a major role in our success.

If someone points out that our build up play isn't as good under Donnarumma, it's an observation - not a criticism or indeed "hating."

Are you sure you are replying to the correct person ? I never made a quote " silencing the haters" I asked you to name a goalkeeper who is good with his feet and maintain our identity and focus, that you want in the team . So what is the name ?

 

[Sam69]

Let's be clear.

Donnarumma brings a skill set that's miles apart from Ederson.

Donnarumma is by far the better shot stopper - but by equal measure, the far worse on ball.

Under Donnarumma our defense has improved - but out ability to build from the back is worse.

As a result our strategy isn't fixed- sometimes this (park the bus) - sometimes that (high line, ball control). We've lost a clear identity and focus, IMO. I can't see how this is a winning formula in the long run. This isn't a criticism against Donnarumma who is world class at shot stopping - but rather a critique of our management/signings.

I agree with you on several points, but for me the difficulties in getting the ball out from behind is not only due to Donnarumma, for at least two years we have been going backwards in this area, even before the arrival of the Italian, and it is due to several factors, the loss of technicality of the entire team, departure or regression of certain players (Laporte, Gundogan, Bernardo, KDB, Cancelo, Mahrez...) and also the rise in power of opponents who have progressed in pressing and who are no longer afraid to come and get you very high up like the team of Iraola, Kalsner, Emery... very good coaches tactically

Regarding Donnarumma, he's made a lot of progress with his feet in two years with Luis Enrique. He's 26 years old, and there's no reason not to continue his progression with Pep. He's only been there for a few weeks. Over time, he'll work with the team on his ball-release techniques, and it can only get better. Other elements that give me optimism on this point include Rodri's return to form in the future, as well as Kovacic and Cherki, bold players who don't hesitate to come forward and ask for the ball and who have great technical ability to cope under pressure. Improving the squad next summer with a truly skilled right-back can only improve things. Right now, the team needs to win, so score goals and not concede; the rest will follow.

 

[AshtonBlueMooner]

Let's be clear.

Donnarumma brings a skill set that's miles apart from Ederson.

Donnarumma is by far the better shot stopper - but by equal measure, the far worse on ball.

Under Donnarumma our defense has improved - but out ability to build from the back is worse.

As a result our strategy isn't fixed- sometimes this (park the bus) - sometimes that (high line, ball control). We've lost a clear identity and focus, IMO. I can't see how this is a winning formula in the long run. This isn't a criticism against Donnarumma who is world class at shot stopping - but rather a critique of our management/signings.

Ok.
You’re entitled to your opinion.
Let’s leave it at that.
He’s a great signing.
We look far better defensively than we have done in a long time.
Ederson is a club legend, but he’s gone.
GD is our future and I can see it being a trophy laden future.
CTID

 

[Kippax Kidd]

But the build up ...

 

[Paul1970]

So are you saying we should have found a goalkeeper who is good with his feet to maintain our identity and focus ? If you are who is that goalkeeper ? I have asked this question a few times to various people on this forum, and nobody has supplied a name so far for this mythical man between the posts.
It would seem that Pep and his team can't find a name either, so went for the best goalkeeper in the world instead, and will work it out from there . Genuinely interested in who you think would be the right man for the job .

Tbh we haven’t got the players either to play that way as we can’t control games but we can now counter attack at pace and be quick to transition . I’m not saying we will never get full control again but atm until we get players upto speed it’s not the end of the world .

 

[Tevez City]

What I like about him :

1- He wants to be here
2- The players likes him
3- He is not bad so far

Hopefully he & City fans will enjoy his stay here.

 

[HelloCity]

Let's be clear.

Donnarumma brings a skill set that's miles apart from Ederson.

Donnarumma is by far the better shot stopper - but by equal measure, the far worse on ball.

Under Donnarumma our defense has improved - but out ability to build from the back is worse.

As a result our strategy isn't fixed- sometimes this (park the bus) - sometimes that (high line, ball control). We've lost a clear identity and focus, IMO. I can't see how this is a winning formula in the long run. This isn't a criticism against Donnarumma who is world class at shot stopping - but rather a critique of our management/signings.

Who was in goal last season when we were playing crap absolutely all over the pitch?

Seem to remember our build up from the back being horrendous without a decent DM being in place.

This season, we've seen a Rodri no where near full fitness.

I also remember Donnarumma being in goal for PSG playing amazing football as they won the treble last season - and also for Italy when they played out from the back and won the Euros.

Tbh, I don't know why I'm responding. You've basically admitted your views come from random youtubers and considering your 'disaster signing' comments, you're hardly going to admit you were wrong at this point.