Manchester City’s new goalkeeper had a tough debut against rivals Manchester United.
Former Manchester City goalkeeper Nicky Weaver, speaking exclusively to 888Sport, believes new stopper Claudio Bravo can take inspiration from David De Gea’s start in English football.
Bravo, who was brought in to replace Joe Hart because of his passing ability, made his debut in the Manchester derby on Saturday, and had an eventful introduction to the Premier League.
The Chilean was at fault for Manchester United’s goal just before the break, fumbling a cross that he never really had to come for, colliding with John Stones in the process and allowing Zlatan Ibrahimovic to bring the red side of Manchester back into the game.
Manchester City’s Claudio Bravo in action with Manchester United’s Paul Pogba
Although he had a difficult afternoon, Weaver believes the way that his opposite number De Gea started his career at Manchester United should give him hope.
“De Gea had a really difficult time when he first come but he’s now massive for United and is one of the best keepers in the world,” said Weaver.
“So with Bravo having a similar dodgy start, hopefully he can build from it and go from strength to strength.”
Manchester City’s Claudio Bravo celebrates at the end of the match
Spanish stopper De Gea arrived from Atletico Madrid with a reputation of being a great passer of the ball, but he was bullied in the opening stages of his Manchester United career, which made many question whether or not he had the physicality to deal with the pressure he was being put under by the opposition.
United’s number one has since shaken off the doubters and became a key figure at Old Trafford.
While Bravo is not as young as De Gea, arriving at City as a 33-year-old, the former Barcelona keeper can still become one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League. Although his stature and size may come into question, his ability on the ball was there for all to see against Mourinho’s side.
Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney fouls Manchester City’s Claudio Bravo resulting in being shown a yellow card
Weaver expects teams to target Bravo’s clear weaknesses, which were there for all to see against United.
“There is going to be a circus around him now in the media and teams coming up will have watched that game and be closing him down and forcing a mistake. He’s also going to get lots of jeers from opposing fans but he is vastly experienced so that won’t worry him.”
Read the full 888Sport interview with Nicky Weaver, including his opinion Joe Hart should return to play for City.
Manchester City’s Fernandinho and Claudio Bravo
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