A keeper of contradictions
Gianluigi Donnarumma is arguably the finest shot-stopper in world football. He is also, after a season at the Etihad, a player who still leaves a nagging doubt in the minds of many supporters.
That is the strange position City find themselves in. Their number one is a goalkeeper who won them points with a string of important saves throughout 2025-26, yet the feeling persists that he is not quite the right fit for this side. The puzzle, as the summer window closes, remains unsolved.
James Trafford has gone to Leeds United. Gerónimo Rulli has arrived as the backup. The pecking order is clear. What is less clear is how Donnarumma's game is squared with the demands of an Enzo Maresca side.
Feet first
The most obvious area for improvement is his work with the ball at his feet. In this system, the goalkeeper is central to buildup, and while Donnarumma is serviceable in possession, he can look hesitant, sometimes nervous.
Arsenal tested exactly that in the FA Community Shield. They varied their press, and at times stood off the Italian, forcing him to make the decision rather than taking it from him. He handled it slightly better at the Principality Stadium, but the questions remain.
Jack Gaughan of the Daily Mail has reported that Maresca is devising solutions. One tweak trialled already is building up with three defenders instead of two, giving Donnarumma an extra option and, presumably, a little more time.
Set-piece concerns
The other area demanding attention is his handling of set-pieces, which have become crucial in the Premier League. For all his brilliance as a shot-stopper, this is where the doubts creep in.
It is a curious situation. City have a goalkeeper with world-class reflexes, but the other parts of the job need work. Maresca's challenge is to smooth those rough edges without dulling what makes Donnarumma special.