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Danny Murphy says he would take Hugo Lloris over Claudio Bravo

Danny Murphy poses with the Capital One Cup before the third round (Reuters)
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The former Spurs midfielder backs the Frenchman over the Chilean stopper.

Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Danny Murphy says he would pick Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris over much criticised Manchester City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo as his number one.

In his regular Friday column in The Evening Standard, Murphy backed the Frenchman, saying it gives defences comfort knowing your number one is ‘solid and reliable between the sticks.

Tottenham's Hugo Lloris celebrates after the gameTottenham’s Hugo Lloris celebrates after the game

Since making the switch from Lyon in 2012, the 30 year-old stopper has blossomed into a world class keeper.

As Spurs travel to the Etihad on Saturday evening, their hosts have slipped to fifth spot in the Premier League table, as Maurcio Pochettino’s men climb to second position in the standings.

Lloris has kept 52 clean sheets for the Lily Whites – including eight this term – a statistic which Murphy believes is to a huge advantage psychologically.

Murphy stated: “As a Tottenham defender, how good must it feel to play in front of Hugo Lloris? Not only can he sweep up when the ball is played behind you, he is lightning quick.”

“The picture is rather different at Manchester City. Claudio Bravo might be better with his feet than Joe Hart but he is not a better goalkeeper.”

Manchester City's Claudio Bravo, John Stones and David Silva look dejected after the gameManchester City’s Claudio Bravo, John Stones and David Silva look dejected after the game

Whilst Hugo Lloris continues to be a shining light in North London, former Barcelona keeper Claudio Bravo has come into criticism during the first part of the campaign, for a string of shaky performances for Pep Guardiola’s side.

As the Citizens struggle for league consistency, their defensive solidity of recent years has all but dissolved this term, having kept just four clean sheets in 20 league games with the Chilean in goal.

Manchester City's Nicolas Otamendi looks dejected after Everton's Ademola Lookman scores their fourth goalManchester City’s Nicolas Otamendi looks dejected after Everton’s Ademola Lookman scores their fourth goal

With Joe Hart remaining on loan in Italy with Torino, many corners have questioned Guardiola’s judgement in casting out the England number one stopper. Even with Hart departing temporarily however, Murphy believes City should have looked elsewhere.

“If they were going to make a change, they needed to bring in someone superior to Bravo”, said the pundit. “I feel for him a bit as City are not a defensive team, so he has been exposed quite a lot, but he has not taken well to English football.

He has let in a few goals that he shouldn’t have and he does not command his area. He tries to punch balls that really should be caught.”