Man City signed Gianluigi Donnarumma on transfer deadline day after Ederson left the club to join Turkish side Fenerbahce.
It was a controversial addition as City had already signed James Trafford from Burnley earlier in the summer, with many believing that he would be Ederson’s long-term replacement. However, now that Donnarumma is in the fold, Trafford’s starting job is under threat.
The English keeper impressed for Burnley in the Championship last season, helping them to one of the best defensive records in English football history. However, Donnarumma is regarded as one of the world’s best, so to drop him for a younger, less experienced keeper in Trafford would also be a bold call.
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So, how does Pep Guardiola decide which keeper to start in their next game against rivals Manchester United? Perhaps a look at last season’s statistics will help provide an answer for the Man City boss…
General match statistics: James Trafford
Now, the first thing to say here is that you have to consider that Trafford was playing for one of the best teams in the Championship, and Donnarumma was in the French top division, and the Champions League. However, when it comes to general match statistics, Trafford wipes the floor with the Italian international.
Last season, for Burnley, Trafford managed to keep 29 clean sheets in 45 games. Compare that to Donnarumma who managed to keep 17 clean sheets in 39 games. Both are very impressive, but Trafford’s numbers are considerably better.
Plus, Trafford conceded far less goals last year. He let in just 16 goals across the season, whereas Donnarumma let in 43. Trafford also had a better average match rating according to Whoscored.com, as he was rated at 6.82/10 and Donnarumma at 6.80.
Saving statistics: Gianluigi Donnarumma
However, when it comes to saves made per game, the Italian national takes the crown, as he managed to make an average of 2.2 saves per match, compared to Trafford, who only managed 1.9.
Furthermore, Donnarumma ranks better in terms of close range saves too, as he made 1.5 saves per game within the penalty area, showing his ability in terms of quick reflexes. Trafford managed 1.2 per game, which is still impressive.
Realistically, it more comes down to what Guardiola wants from a keeper. He could play the more experienced and knowledgeable Donnarumma, or take the ‘upside’ by starting Trafford. However, Trafford is bound to make more mistakes as he is younger and less experienced, so we predict that Donnarumma will take the number one spot, and Trafford (unfortunately) will have to wait.
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