Former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel has raised doubts over how Gianluigi Donnarumma will adapt to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, arguing that the Italian goalkeeper’s style may not suit the Premier League side.
Recall that City snapped up the 26-year-old this summer for around £26 million after Paris Saint-Germain placed him on the transfer list.
Widely recognised as one of the best shot-stoppers in the world, Donnarumma arrives with a glittering CV, including multiple Ligue 1 titles, and recently, a Champions League.
Guardiola’s demands in focus
Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel questioned whether Donnarumma can meet the tactical expectations Guardiola places on his goalkeepers.
John Obi Mikel – Getty image
“How is he going to fit in this Manchester City side because we all know that Pep Guardiola goalkeepers have to be able to play in the midfield as well,” Mikel said.
He continued, “I wonder how Donnarumma is going to do that because we all know he’s not the best with his feet.
“I wonder how he’s going to fit in with this Pep Guardiola side. Is this Pep Guardiola now trying to change the way he plays? I don’t know. But let’s wait and see.”
Big stage test awaits
While Donnarumma’s shot-stopping pedigree is unquestioned, concerns about his distribution and ability to play out from the back have long followed him.
Guardiola has typically demanded goalkeepers comfortable in possession, with Ederson embodying that style during City’s recent dominance.
The Italian could get an early test of his credentials this weekend, with reports indicating he is set to start in Sunday’s Manchester derby against United.
The clash at the Etihad will provide a high-pressure stage to see how quickly he can adapt to Guardiola’s system.