Do you even La liga? Bravo has been amongst the very few LL keepers who has a reputation of being skilled with his feet. Precisely why, Unzué during his prev stint with Barca had followed the Chilean when the latter was with Sociedad. And its on the basis of his prev study and familiarisation, that Bravo was signed under Unzué's behest. Bravo still remains for his former team, the only player who's scored a direct fk in some while. He's essential to CHL's build up play, and starts attacks for them. In a recent such outing against England, Roy hudgson had the following to say about him:
Source:
Here, and the highlight reel of his performance is available on YT. Obviously, he's not on par with the mercurial young german, but then who is.
I won't pretend if he was available he wouldn't be the best choice, because honestly, I don't know. I'm no expert, I can only judge through my capacity from what I watch. Courting the belgian could 've ended in disappointment, and if had he come here, there is a possibility he 'd 've improved his technical skills over time, or may be not. I was not contesting Courtois' quality, which is evident to all, but the theory that there is no such thing as a Barca style keeper. Our keepers essentially act as the 3rd CB, and are expected to aid retention under all pressure situations. Just because skilled keepers make it look easy, doesn't mean it's
game for everyone.
Also, it's a fact that Courtois has benefited from Simeone's Atlético revolution, one which saw every single one of his defenders rise to prominence. Being part of a winning culture and environment has its merits. Simeone's tutelage, and the stability he was afforded during his AM term, has honed his talent, and confidence, which he can now build on. His development as a result is well ahead of the likes of his peers you've listed (gen '92). Every footballer has his own rate of growth, dependant on circumstances, and individual application. MATS/Perin/Sportiello, by virtue of playing for lesser clubs haven't had similar winning platform or exposure, until now, in the case of tS. Even then he's mismanaged, unless you think the likes of DDG and Courtois, despite having their own initial struggles at ManU and Chelsea, would 've done so much better in their first season if made to work without match rhythm.
Both Pep and Simeone have been complimentary about our keepers. But ofc, some barca fans know better. They are never happy, and continue to find something to moan about.
