Paris Saint-Germain had to make light of Gianluigi Donnarumma’s red card 10 minutes into last Sunday’s 2-0 win away at Le Havre to extend the lead at the top of Ligue 1 to four points. Kylian Mbappé and Vitinha’s goals got the job done at Stade Oceane, but the real hero was substitute goalkeeper Arnau Tenas, who finally got a chance to impress after months of patience. The summer arrival did not waste it, with a handful of vital saves made by the Spaniard to protect the lead created by Mbappé’s brilliant finish until Vitinha made sure of the points later on.
Tenas’ impressive showing and the fact that Donnarumma will now be suspended means that PSG fans do not have to worry too much about Keylor Navas’ recent fitness issues. However, it was another error in what is a growing list of Donnarumma’s mistakes, which adds to the feeling that the Italy international cannot truly be relied upon despite being a good shot-stopper. Just these past few weeks alone saw an enormous Donnarumma gaffe gift AS Monaco an equalizer, which was thankfully undone by a clinical showing in front of goal in Paris.
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That is without factoring in other historic errors, such as his hesitation on the ball during the agonizing collapse to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League round of 16-second leg in 2022. Arguably, the biggest concern with Donnarumma, though, is the fact that he very clearly does not fit the style of play that Luis Enrique is implementing at Parc des Princes. The Azzurri star is not adept with the ball at his feet and might never get truly comfortable enough in terms of his technique, which the Spanish tactician will only have limited patience for.
Tenas was brought in this past summer because he was a smart opportunity for PSG, given that he was a free agent and capable of playing in the style that Luis Enrique is bringing to the team. We should finally get an extended look at the 22-year-old over the coming games with Donnarumma suspended, and those performances could start to sew further seeds of doubt over the Italian. Although not ideal ahead of a crucial Champions League trip to Borussia Dortmund, which will dictate how PSG fares in this year’s group stage, this juncture has been on the horizon for some time now.
Donnarumma’s overall contribution since his arrival back in 2021 does not necessarily justify the decision to have replaced Navas so quickly after what was essentially one misjudgment. If the Costa Rica international’s error in the 2-1 semifinal first-leg loss at home to Manchester City was enough to see him unseated as PSG’s starting goalkeeper, Donnarumma is very lucky. The 24-year-old has already had more questionable moments since his arrival from Milan than Navas had during his time as an undisputed starter, with the main justification being his age, profile, and low cost.
Regardless of what PSG decides to do regarding Donnarumma beyond this season, the man from Castellammare di Stabia is one of the most valuable assets under contract beyond 2025. This gives the French champions the scope not only to cash in on him in terms of a transfer fee but also to utilize him in a potential player swap deal. That latter option is unlikely to be possible when looking at current targets Mike Maignan of Milan or Lucas Chevalier of Lille OSC, but it could appeal should a new target materialize.
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