Gianluigi Donnarumma showed his best and worst traits during Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid.
The Italy international has always been a sensational shot-stopper, particularly on penalties, as he showed at UEFA EURO 2021.
He has an extraordinary reach with his long arms and legs, so got his fingertips to a Karim Benzema curler to push it round the far top corner.
What an incredible save from Donnarumma at 0-0 🤯
Plucked the ball out of the top corner with his fingertips!
Karim Benzema couldn’t believe it…#ÚCL pic.twitter.com/SWkVJnAg6e
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 9, 2022
However, Milan supporters will also tell you that Donnarumma’s biggest weakness is having the ball at his feet.
He has certainly improved since making his debut at the age of 16, but his skill and composure on back-passes has always been a huge concern.
Donnarumma conceded several Milan goals by not dealing with back-passes and struggled again at the Bernabeu this evening when pressed at the by-line by Benzema.
The goalkeeper gave it away, Vinicius Junior laying it back off for Benzema to score into an empty net.
The Italian argued he had been fouled by Benzema and may well have had a point, but then referees in Europe are more lenient than in Italy when it comes to challenges on the goalkeeper.
While he has won the Euros, this remains the first Champions League experience that 23-year-old Donnarumma has ever had.
Real Madrid are back in it all thanks to the work rate of Karim Benzema 😤
Forces Donnarumma into a mistake then gets in the right position to finish!#UCL pic.twitter.com/9CpWZHOpU9
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 9, 2022
Must’ve been some fans at the Bernabeu whistling at Donnarumma