Manchester City are facing an impossible task as they prepare to lose one of their two star goalkeepers, with Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford both vying for the No.1 spot. The club's strength in depth between the posts has been a key factor in their success, but the quality of both keepers means the competition cannot last.
After the Carabao Cup final, there was amusement at City over the emphasis placed on Arsenal picking their second-choice goalkeeper as a reason for defeat. Many failed to acknowledge that James Trafford was not a regular starter for the Blues. When the teams met again a month later in a pivotal Premier League battle, City's No.1 Gianluigi Donnarumma atoned for a first-half error with a big second half to secure victory over Arsenal, despite the Gunners having David Raya in net.
The Goalkeeping Duo's Impact
City may not have had enough to beat Arsenal over 38 Premier League games, but they boasted a superior goalkeeping department for all competitions. This was expected, given Trafford was good enough to be a No.1 before Donnarumma was signed on the final day of the transfer window. The situation was not easy, particularly for Trafford, yet it gave City immense confidence in any competition. Trafford excelled in cup games, providing considerable strength to rotated sides that made a difference against good opposition.
The debate among City fans over which goalkeeper they prefer is passionate, but the quality of both means the competition was always short-lived. The Blues arguably have the strongest pair of goalkeepers they have ever had, yet it is precisely because of that quality that it cannot last.
Trafford's Future and City's Search for a No.2
Trafford is expected to make a decision on his future after the World Cup finishes. He has spoken this summer about the importance of playing every week to challenge for an England shirt. Enzo Maresca's arrival at the Etihad has given some Trafford supporters hope that he could oust Donnarumma, but regardless, it feels impossible for City to carry on with both keepers next season.
Finding a No.2 who is capable of being a No.1 but content not to be is a difficult role to fill, similar to finding a back-up for Erling Haaland. City have been aware for some time that they will need to be active this summer, but that does not make the task any easier. Pierce Charles looks set to sign from Sheffield Wednesday to bolster the ranks, but City will need someone with much more experience as a No.2 to avoid making their task more difficult in cup competitions. A new goalkeeper may not feel like City's priority in the transfer window, but it could decide how far they go in defending the two trophies they won last season.
