Gianluigi Buffon, the former goalkeeper for Paris Saint-Germain, came out in favor of Gianluigi Donnarumma, 24, following a string of mistakes that brought him under heavy criticism.
Donnarumma has regularly been at fault for a number of goals given up in recent weeks. Errors against AS Monaco and Newcastle United have already put pressure on Les Parisiens’ number one, and that pressure has only increased since his absurd and reckless kung fu kick against Le Havre earned him a red card.
It was a risky tackle that has raised concerns about the goalkeeper’s suitability for Luis Enrique’s preferred style of play for his PSG team.
Buffon dismisses the criticism
In an interview that L’Equipe recorded, Buffon implied that his compatriot would not be affected by these mistakes, saying, “I think Donarumma has grown a thick skin when it comes to criticism and constant self-doubt.” Being regarded as one of the top three goalkeepers in the world, in my opinion, makes it inevitable that any error will result in debate of this nature.
That Buffon would be protective of a player who was once called his heir is not surprising, given that the former goalkeeper is more familiar than most with the demanding nature of playing goalkeeping for PSG.
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