Manchester City midfielder Rodri has always been seen as one of the calmest and most composed footballers in world football, a player who never seems to panic under pressure, who always knows how to control the rhythm of the game, and who always plays with a maturity that makes him one of the most reliable players in Pep Guardiola’s squad. But recently the Spaniard admitted that part of the reason why he feels so calm on the pitch this season is because of one player, one teammate who has already made a huge difference at Manchester City since arriving. That player is none other than Gianluigi Donnarumma, the towering Italian goalkeeper who has joined City and immediately started making an impact not just with his saves but with his presence, his aura, and the confidence he gives to those around him.
Rodri, who has been at Manchester City since 2019, knows exactly what it feels like to play alongside world-class teammates. From Kevin De Bruyne to Erling Haaland, from Bernardo Silva to Ilkay Gundogan during his time, the Spaniard has shared the pitch with some of the best in the game. Yet when he speaks about Donnarumma, you can feel that there is something different about the way the goalkeeper makes him feel. It is not just about his technical ability or his shot-stopping, but about the way his presence behind the defense changes everything. For Rodri, having Donnarumma at the back is like having a wall that gives you total confidence to focus on your own job without fear.
The Spanish midfielder explained in his interview that sometimes it only takes five minutes of watching Donnarumma to understand why he is so special. The goalkeeper, who stands well over six feet tall, is a giant in every sense, and his ability to command the penalty area makes defenders and midfielders relax because they know he will take charge of situations. Rodri admitted that there are moments when opponents put the ball into the box, and instead of feeling worried, he actually feels chilled, because he knows Donnarumma is there. The midfielder even went as far as to say that when you see Donnarumma between the posts, even the opposition must feel the weight of his presence because the goal suddenly looks so much smaller with him in it.
For Manchester City fans, the arrival of Donnarumma was a major talking point because the club had already enjoyed many years of success with Ederson in goal. Ederson, with his incredible distribution and fearless style, was seen as one of the best goalkeepers of his generation, and he played a huge role in City’s dominance under Guardiola. Replacing him was never going to be easy, and many wondered if anyone could truly fill his gloves. But Donnarumma has come in and immediately shown that he is not afraid of the challenge. Rodri made it clear that while Ederson was massive for City, Donnarumma can do the same, and in his own way, perhaps even more.
The Italian goalkeeper, who is only 26 years old, has already been playing at the highest level for almost a decade. He made his debut for AC Milan as a teenager, became Italy’s number one at an incredibly young age, and won the European Championship in 2021, where he was named player of the tournament. After his spell at Paris Saint-Germain, where he experienced both highs and lows, he made the big decision to join Manchester City in 2024. For some players, arriving at City under Guardiola can be overwhelming, but Donnarumma looked comfortable from the very first match. Against Manchester United and Napoli, he showed why he is rated so highly, producing big saves and showing composure that impressed not only fans but also his new teammates.
Rodri highlighted one particular moment when Donnarumma made an outstanding save to deny Bryan Mbeumo. For the midfielder, that moment summed up exactly why he feels so calm with Donnarumma behind him. It was not just about the technical brilliance of the save, but about the reassurance it gives to the whole team when your goalkeeper can produce those match-defining moments. For players like Rodri, who spend much of the game controlling the midfield and stopping dangerous attacks, knowing that if anything gets past them there is still Donnarumma waiting at the back changes everything.
But it is not only Rodri who has been impressed. Bernardo Silva also spoke to him about Donnarumma and made a comparison that tells you everything about the Italian’s reputation. Bernardo said that Donnarumma gives him the same feeling that Thibaut Courtois gives – that sense of a towering, unbeatable figure in goal who can win you matches almost single-handedly. Courtois has been considered the best in the world in recent years, especially after his heroics in the Champions League for Real Madrid, and for Donnarumma to be compared to him by his own teammates is a massive compliment. Bernardo pointed out that even though Donnarumma is still only 26, he has been playing at the very top for so long that he has the experience of a veteran, and that is exactly what Manchester City need as they continue their quest for trophies.
Even rival goalkeepers have spoken about Donnarumma with respect. David Raya, the Arsenal goalkeeper, admitted that the former PSG man is one of the best in the world. That kind of recognition from your opponents shows just how much respect Donnarumma commands in football. And it will be particularly interesting when City face Arsenal, because Donnarumma already has experience against them. Last season, while playing elsewhere, he faced the Gunners three times, winning two of those matches and losing just once, even managing to keep a clean sheet. That record will give him even more confidence going into the game at the Emirates, and it will also give Manchester City an extra edge knowing that their new goalkeeper has already proven himself against this opponent.
Rodri’s comments also reflect the fact that he himself has had to adapt recently. Having suffered a serious ACL injury last season, the Spaniard missed much of the campaign and did not get the chance to play as often with some of City’s new signings. For him, coming back into the side feels almost like a new beginning, a chance to readjust and build chemistry with teammates like Donnarumma and Tijjani Reijnders. He admitted that it will take time for all the signings to fully settle, but as a serial winner, his expectation is that City will quickly return to their best and once again become the winning machine that dominated Europe.
The upcoming match against Arsenal is seen as a big test, a chance for Guardiola’s side to send a strong message. Playing away at the Emirates is never easy, but with players like Rodri returning and Donnarumma already settling in, there is confidence within the camp. For Rodri, it is simple: when you have a goalkeeper like Donnarumma behind you, you can play your own game without fear. That confidence spreads through the entire team, and it can make the difference in the tightest matches where one save or one moment of composure is enough to change everything.
The story of Rodri and Donnarumma is not just about two players, but about what makes great teams succeed. Football is not only about individual talent but about the way players make each other better. Rodri, with his calmness and intelligence, brings balance to the midfield. Donnarumma, with his towering presence, brings security to the defense. Together, they create a sense of assurance that allows the rest of the team to shine. It is this kind of chemistry that has helped Manchester City dominate in recent years, and with new stars like Donnarumma joining established leaders like Rodri, the future looks just as bright.
For City fans, hearing Rodri speak with such admiration for Donnarumma is exciting. Supporters know how important a top-class goalkeeper is to any successful side, and after years of brilliance from Ederson, seeing Donnarumma step in and immediately earn the trust of his teammates is exactly what they wanted to see. And for opponents, it is perhaps a worrying sign, because if Manchester City are already feeling more confident and secure with Donnarumma in goal, it means beating them will only become harder.
Rodri’s words paint a picture of a player who is not only a world-class midfielder but also a natural leader, someone who understands the importance of trust and unity within the squad. His calmness on the pitch is now reinforced by the calmness he feels from having Donnarumma behind him. It is a partnership built on confidence, and in football, that is priceless
In the coming months, as Manchester City fight for trophies on all fronts, the connection between Rodri and Donnarumma could be one of the key factors that define their season. For now, one thing is clear: Rodri feels chilled because Donnarumma is there, and when a player as important as Rodri feels that way, it can only mean good things for Manchester City’s hopes of success
