Donnarumma weakness hinted at as PSG introduce Chevalier

The announcement of Lucas Chevalier to Paris Saint-Germain confirms why Gianluigi Donnarumma was pushed out, and it is an issue that affected the Italian throughout his career.

Many were shocked by the decision to spend a reported €55m including add-ons to purchase Chevalier from LOSC when they already had perhaps the best goalkeeper in the world right now.

It is true that the main problem was the contract negotiations, as his current deal expires at the end of the season and Donnarumma refused a pay cut, or a restructuring of the agreement that would make much of his salary into performance-related bonuses.

In the presentation of Chevalier, the other matter around the Italy international was made clear.

Chevalier brings something Donnarumma lacks

“Comfortable on his line, in one-on-one situations, and in the air, he also has excellent distribution skills,” read the PSG statement.

It is no secret that Luis Enrique likes to start moves from the back and this is something Donnarumma has always struggled with.

“He is a coach who has a particular playing style,” added Chevalier to the club website.

“The role of the goalkeeper is very important in his system, he expects me to be at the centre of the moves, that I should be an added value. It is flattering that he saw this in me.”

Donnarumma has certainly improved with the ball at his feet compared to his early days at Milan and for Italy, but it remains an undoubted weakness in his game.

An excellent shot-stopper, he is nonetheless not the goalkeeper you want to act as an additional sweeper.