While Milan look set to go another year without Champions League football, Louis Gibberd-Thomas ponders where the future of their goalkeeping starlet lies, with one of world football’s super-agents likely to be clamouring for a move for his client
The rise of Gianluigi Donnarumma has been nothing short of meteoric. From a fleeting appearance in a pre-season penalty-shootout against Real Madrid to mainstay in the AC Milan first team, his accomplishments are made all the more astounding given his age; making his Serie A debut at just 16.
Now, already, the Italian has come to an early crossroads in his career, where a decision to prolong his career at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza could cost him a stab at European glory, or worse.
His first noteworthy accomplishment was displacing goalkeeper Diego Lopez, a feat in itself worthy of acknowledgement for a number of reasons.
Milan have a tendency to show a lack of faith in youngsters, and given vice-president Adriano Galliani captured the Spaniard on a free made him one of his prized assets. Lopez, being a former Real Madrid shot-stopper of unimpeachable reputation, had a strong first campaign with the Rossoneri despite poor results; largely attributed to lousy defending.
Although the start of the season was a rocky one, not much suggested it was anything other than poor defending once again; certainly nothing pointed to Lopez losing his place in goal.
In his timid yet encouraging early displays, Donnarumma managed to highlight one crucial aspect of his character: his confidence. It would be cruel to say Lopez lacks character, for his scrambling up and down the goal-line showed a resilience that fans found endearing. Donnarumma, however, has had a commanding presence in his penalty box. His early forays out of his area have the hallmarks of immaturity and naivety, but at least showed a willingness to take risks such as Lopez wouldn’t dare.
At an impressive height of 6’5 for his age, Donnarumma is strong in the air, rarely looking troubled from crosses and in particular his commanding instruction when addressing his defenders. His youth has never seen him wilt in the face of more experienced individuals, be they opponents or teammates. His reflexes have been complimented, as has his bravery in such situations as his tendency is to launch himself back toward his post; risking making contact and potentially harming himself. He can been seen doing this regardless of whether the shot is goal-bound, rarely leaving any doubt or simply for peace of mind.
For Milanisti on a whole it’s always been easier to bank on Donnarumma over Lopez. The Spaniard isn’t getting any younger and the fact Donnarumma is Italian puts one in mind of Sebastiano Rossi or Christian Abbiati; both loyal servicemen between the sticks.
The mere fact Donnarumma shares the same first name as Gianluigi Buffon has also had an underlying positive, a career the 17-year-old can only hope to replicate at the San Siro. Donnarumma recently made his Italian Under-21 debut, and is quietly hoping he can join the Azzurri squad for the upcoming European Championships in France.
The future, as with any current AC Milan player, is filled with uncertainty. Donnarumma has already been allegedly scouted by Barcelona, and reports of offers from Chelsea and Manchester United have not been convincingly quashed. Club president Silvio Berlusconi has insisted the young prodigy isn’t for sale, but all too often these words have come back to haunt Milan fans.
On a whole, the immediate future looks red and black, with Donnarumma himself determined to remain at the club he’s had an affinity for all his life. Any transfer would likely take the goalkeeper overseas, with renown agent Mino Raiola pulling the strings in the shadows.
Raiola was successful in facilitating several big money transfers for striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, ensuring the Swede always got his money’s worth from any move; including to and from the city of Milan. Donnarumma is primed to receive an increase in his salary once he puts pen to paper on a new contract, but it remains to be seen whether Donnarumma is lured away by the promise of European football. At this point, the Champions League may perhaps be a daunting stage for the youngster, or he is just as likely to take it in his stride as demonstrated by his performances so far this season.
Donnarumma leaving the San Siro at this early stage could well be a rash, impulsive decision on his part; (or more likely that of Raiola) particularly as he’s cemented his position as first-choice goalkeeper.
Milan need to ensure they have fresh challenges awaiting Donnarumma in the near future, so the emphasis is still very much on the club for this dream Milan career to become a reality.
