Goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli introduced himself to English football by saving two penalties to eliminate Brighton from the Carabao Cup. His growing connection with Manchester City fans actually began five years ago. While playing for Villarreal, the Argentine broke Manchester United hearts in the 2021 Europa League final by scoring his own spot-kick and denying David De Gea to decide a tense shootout. City supporters celebrated the defeat of their local rivals. Rulli is already building on that history only one match into his £1.7million transfer from Marseille. Penalties are clearly a specialty for the 34-year-old. City brought him in to serve as their cup goalkeeper behind first-choice stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma. After denying Brighton players Yasin Ayari and Lewis Dunk from 12 yards, Rulli stated, "I knew I would save any penalty. Before the game I told Enzo Fernandez that if it went to penalties, I would save two. I feel the confidence. I feel really nice in these kinds of situations and I'm ready to help."
However, manager Enzo Maresca confirmed that Rulli is unlikely to displace Donnarumma in the Premier League, admitting, "He is working well but Rulli knows exactly his role. On Saturday against Brighton it will be Gigio plus 10." Rulli may act as the backup, but he brings significant experience to the squad. His career has spanned clubs in Argentina, Spain, France, and the Netherlands. His resume includes eight different teams. Manchester City previously signed him in 2016 from Uruguayan club Deportivo Maldonado, immediately loaning him to Real Sociedad before selling him to the Spanish side a year later without an appearance. He spent five seasons as the primary goalkeeper for Sociedad, won the Europa League with Villarreal under Unai Emery, played for Ajax, and worked with Roberto De Zerbi at Marseille. He also earned a World Cup winner's medal in 2022 as Argentina's third-choice goalkeeper during their victorious campaign in Qatar under Lionel Messi. Although Rulli faces time on the substitutes bench, Maresca possesses an experienced veteran to call upon when needed. The Estudiantes youth product has appeared in over 400 club matches and earned nine caps for Argentina, meaning supporters could see more of him this season while Maresca supports Donnarumma.
