Gianluigi Donnarumma can become the most complete goalkeeper on the planet, according to former Manchester City number one David James.
Maresca: City Players, Not Donnarumma, Must Fix Risky Backpasses
However, Man city new boss Enzo Maresca insists his players must protect their Italian stopper by making smarter choices in possession.
Donnarumma has recorded consecutive clean sheets against Coventry City and FC Porto, yet his distribution remains under intense scrutiny.
He nearly allowed an Abdukodir Khusanov backpass to roll into his own net against Coventry, while he survived several anxious moments in Portugal.
The 26-year-old now targets three straight shutouts for the first time in his Etihad career as City prepare to face Manchester United this weekend.
Maresca, though, refuses to blame his goalkeeper. Instead, he points the finger at his outfield players for overusing the backpass option.
“I think a few times tonight, it is not on Gigio’s mistake,” Maresca said.
“It is more for me the wrong decision to go back to Gigio. Sometimes we go too many times back to Gigio when we don’t need.”
The City manager wants his squad to treat Donnarumma as a last resort, not a default outlet. He praised the keeper’s overall performance but demanded better decision-making from those in front of him.
James, who spent two years at City, believes critics unfairly target Donnarumma’s footwork. The former England international argues the Champions League winner excels where it matters most.
“There is no doubt in my mind that Gianluigi Donnarumma is the best shot-stopper in the Premier League,” James stated.
“I don’t think he’s as bad with his feet as people make out. His passing looked to have improved over the summer.”
James predicts that if Donnarumma continues refining his distribution, he will silence the doubters permanently.
“If he does, he’s the perfect goalkeeper,” James added. “He’ll become the most well-rounded keeper in the world.”
Donnarumma will aim to prove that point against United on Sunday.
