Gary Neville ranks 'absolute animal' Gianluigi Donnarumma above Arsenal's David Raya

Gary Neville has ranked Manchester City's new goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma above Arsenal's David Raya and compared the Italian with former Manchester stars Peter Schmeichel and Edwin van der Sar. Neville labelled the former Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper an "absolute animal" after watching him shine in City's 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Sunday.

Donnarumma ranked above Raya and Alisson

Former United defender turned pundit Gary Neville spoke highly of Donnarumma as he praised the towering Italian for his dominance inside the penalty box. He also claimed he would rather have the City goalkeeper over Raya and Liverpool's Alisson, while comparing the 26-year-old to fellow Red Devils legends Schmeichel and Van der Sar. 

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'I love a massive goalkeeper'

Speaking on his Sky Sports podcast, Neville said: "He’s just big. When he comes for it, it makes oncoming attackers think about it, because they know they’re going to get a right bash in the head if he comes and hits you. For me, I think he’s a fantastic goalkeeper. He’s the type of goalkeeper I’ve always enjoyed. I like Alisson at Liverpool. I like Raya. But I wouldn’t pick Raya over Donnarumma, or Alisson, because I love a massive goalkeeper. A Peter Schmeichel, an Edwin van der Sar… It makes a massive difference when your goalkeeper is towering above everyone else.

"But also when they’re very good at what they do. And he’s very good at what he does. He makes saves, he dominates his box, he’s positive in his actions. He will make some mistakes along the way and that’s fine -but I think he does the right things. He’d had a big impact already at City."

Donnarumma off to a flying start in England

After completing his move to City from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day, Donnarumma appeared for Pep Guardiola's side in the Manchester derby, where he dazzled on his debut. He denied Bryan Mbeumo from scoring by pulling off a brilliant save as City ran out 3-0 winners against United. He kept another clean sheet against Napoli in the Champions League before finally conceding a goal in City's Premier League clash against Arsenal on Sunday, albeit after another impressive all-round display.

Getty Images SportWhen will Donnarumma play next for City?

Donnarumma could start on the bench against Huddersfield in City's Carabao Cup third round tie on Wednesday after appearing in three successive games in the space of a week, with James Trafford set to be drafted in. The Italian will likely start again when City get back to Premier League duty against Burnley on September 27.