Gianluigi Donnarumma has his critics. Crosses, set pieces, the occasional flap. But at Anfield on Sunday, the Italian produced the kind of performance that explains why he is part of Manchester City's captaincy group.
A crucial afternoon on Merseyside
City's 3-0 win over Liverpool was built on more than just attacking flair. Donnarumma made six saves, and two of them — from Lewis Koumas and Ryan Gravenberch straight after half-time — kept the game from tilting.
Those stops mattered. They came at a point when the home side were pushing, and Donnarumma stood firm.
Using his frame, and his feet
He also dealt with crosses better than he sometimes does. Rather than punching, he used his height and reach to claim the ball with authority. It was a noticeable shift from the goalkeeper who can struggle with set pieces.
With his feet, he was serviceable with short passing, though his long balls up the pitch often went astray. And in the first half, there was even a Cruyff turn — not something you see every week from a goalkeeper at Anfield.
Donnarumma is a pivotal piece of Enzo Maresca's side, and on this evidence, he is also a leader for his team. The Anfield clean sheet was a reminder of what he brings when he is at his best.