The Italy international conceded his first goal at Man City in stoppage time this weekend, as Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli chipped him to level the score in the final minutes of the game.
City signed Donnarumma in the summer transfer window in a £26M deal from Paris Saint-Germain. However, Neville feels he’s one to watch in the Premier League as he uses his vast experience to establish himself as a shot stopper to rival the likes of Alisson and David Raya who have been in the league for several years.
Speaking on his Sky Sports podcast, Neville was in awe of Donnarumma and says his height is a massive factor in how well he is doing under manager Pep Guardiola so far this season.
"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 was part of the Italy side who won Euro 2020 and also won the Champions League in his last season at Paris Saint-Germain. He has been incredible so far for City and as he continues to impress it looks like Neville’s praise is warranted, even if a little early into his Premier League career.