Manchester City have signed Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG, but there is one major doubt from outsiders.
Many claim that the Italy international is nothing special in possession of the ball, a trait Pep Guardiola often demands from his goalkeepers.
Joe Hart was even famously ousted in place of Claudio Bravo due to his lack of technical skills on the ball.
Manchester City sources have now responded to this particular criticism of Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Manchester City argue Gianluigi Donnarumma “comes out on top” in other areas
The Athletic have now posted a response from Etihad Stadium insiders to these concerns about the Italian glovesman.
It is said that Manchester City accept the fact Donnarumma is admittedly inferior to Ederson with the ball at his feet, but so is every other goalkeeper in Europe.
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The Citizens argue that their new No.99 is superior when it comes to “reflexes and reactions” after a detailed analysis of his performances.
Ultimately, Guardiola just needs Donnarumma to keep it simple and restore a confidence to his backline, which has seemed quite unsettled with James Trafford in goal since his mistake in the 2-0 loss against Tottenham.
Joe Hart defends Gianluigi Donnarumma
The aforementioned Hart – who will know exactly how Trafford is feeling after being replaced – opted to defend the £30m arrival from PSG when speaking on BBC 5 Live Sport.
"He wants someone in there who he knows is world class."
Joe Hart shares his thoughts on Manchester City signing Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford. pic.twitter.com/LCTd7hfPQC
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) September 2, 2025
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Hart defended Donnarumma, saying: “He is capable with his feet, more than capable!
“I’ve watched him play under pressure, play for Italy, play the whole way up from 16 – a man, or a boy at the time, who could hold his nerve for AC Milan!
“All the way through, and then into PSG and won them their first Champions League trophy. Look, I’m a big James Trafford fan… but why would you not sign Donnarumma and have him as part of your system, someone who can win you games? He’s absolutely humongous making top, top saves at the top level.”
After two defeats in the opening three Premier League games, Guardiola clearly felt Manchester City needed a serial winner to arrive.
Having kept 17 clean sheets in 47 appearances last season to help PSG secure a Ligue 1, Coupe de France and UEFA Champions League treble, Donnarumma is exactly that.