Gianluigi Donnarumma is a key figure for Manchester City. He is a hulking presence in goal and Donnarumma is also part of Manchester City’s captaincy group. However, despite Donnarumma’s size, at times he can flap at crosses and struggle with set pieces. At times, this creates panic in the City defence. As Manchester City entered the unknown at Anfield against Liverpool on Sunday they needed a commanding display from their number-one keeper. They got that and more as Donnarumma played an important role in Manchester City’s 3-0 win over Liverpool.
Gianluigi Donnarumma was brilliant in goal for Manchester City against Liverpool.
Donnarumma played with authority in goal for Manchester City against Liverpool. In total, he made six saves during the match. His two saves from Lewis Koumas and Ryan Gravenberch straight after halftime were crucial. They were both quality saves and ones that City both need and expect their Italian keeper to make. Those two saves denied Liverpool any momentum and helped set the scene for City’s win.
What stood out was that Gianluigi Donnarumma was determined to claim crosses into the City area rather than punch them clear. Donnarumma typically punches away crosses or long throw-ins. This didn’t occur on Sunday. Instead, Donnarumma used his height and reach to claim crosses with authority. This provided a sense of calm to the City defence which was impossible to ignore.
With his feet, Donnarumma was serviceable with his short passing. Although, his radar was off with his long balls up the pitch. This wasn’t a particular concern. However, Donnarumma’s overall display was brilliant and it was exactly what Manchester City needed at Anfield. There was even a Cruyff turn on display from Donnarumma in the first half which showed the confidence he played with against Liverpool.
Sunday’s performance from Donnarumma should be his benchmark from this point onwards.
It was refreshing to see Gianluigi Donnarumma play with such authority in goal for Manchester City against Liverpool. The fact that he did in such a big game was telling in itself. Donnarumma is a leader for his team and he played like one at Anfield. His performance may not have received the plaudits of others, but it was crucial to Manchester City’s win.
The way Donnarumma played against Liverpool should be his template from this point onwards. Donnarumma is capable of being a commanding figure in goal, which he showed against Liverpool. The Italian goalkeeper is a pivotal piece of Enzo Maresca’s side. If he plays like he did against Liverpool regularly, it will be massive for his team.