Manchester City's decision to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma last summer was driven by a need for elite shot-stopping after the team's defensive structure deteriorated following Rodri's ACL injury in September 2024.
Since Rodri's absence, City have allowed significantly more shots per game — rising from around 7.5 in previous seasons to 9.34 in 2024-25, 9.71 in 2025-26, and 10.56 in the current Premier League campaign under Enzo Maresca. In the Champions League, the average sits at 11 shots per game.
Donnarumma, 27, arrived with a reputation built on crucial saves for Paris Saint-Germain, but recent performances have revealed limitations. Errors against Aston Villa (letting Nicolas Jackson's shot slip through), Paris Saint-Germain (beaten by Désiré Doué and Vitinha), and RB Leipzig (misjudging a cross from Ridle Baku for the first equaliser) have highlighted a lack of agility for a 6ft 5in goalkeeper.
Advanced metrics show Donnarumma has conceded six fewer goals than the post-shot expected goals (xG) value of shots faced across 56 Premier League and Champions League appearances. Last season he ranked among the league's better pure shot-stoppers; this season he remains around that level. However, the club recruited him to be the world's best, not merely "fine."
With his distribution offering little in possession, the tolerance for a goalkeeper who cannot contribute with the ball rests on him being the best at keeping the ball out — a standard Donnarumma has not consistently met since his peak at PSG.
