Barcilliant
Senior Member
Hi all. I'm a chilean who was curious to see what the opinions were on the Bravo transfer. Surprised on the negativity going around. I understand that it's alot of money, but I think Bravo is worth it. I think he is underrated by most on here. Bravo was the keeper of Colo Colo in Chile. He was so good he was starting in the first team at 19. He was the NT goalie by the age of 21 and was sold to Real Sociedad at the age of 23. He is really really good at cutting crosses; plays incredible with his feet and I've seen him make many incredible saves. He has, as all goalies, also made some mistakes. I've seen Buffon make terribles mistakes and he's one of the best out there. He used to have a bit of a problem with free kicks which I think he has figured out.
I understand that Barca have been following him for over 5 years - with Valdes they didn't need him, so it wasn't necessary to make an offer. Why has he been at Real Sociedad so long if he's a good keeper? Probably because it's difficult for goalies to get transferred. Most big teams have goalies that last for a long time and Bravo wants to play. He doesn't want to "warm the bench". I'm sure Luis Enrique will give him a chance to fight for the number 1 spot or else Bravo would have stayed at San Sebastian. Also at Real Sociedad it's not easy to get noticed. He was in 2nd division for awhile, where he won the Zamora award to the best keeper.
At the NT, he's the captain and a big example on and off the pitch. He's never had any problems with anyone, really nice guy, and his leadership has shown at difficult times - for example, some years ago, Vidal (when he played at Leverkussen) was left out of the team by Bielsa. Vidal said he didn't share the decision and was worried that Chile would loose a couple of big matches that were coming up in the WC qualifiers. Chile won both matches with several youngsters on the field, and Bravo stood up to Vidal who ended up apologizing publiclly. His best match for Chile was probably against Uruguay in the WC 2010 qualifiers in Santiago. Isla got a red card around the 30th minute, and Bravo had alot of work. He saved many, but I rember in particular an incredible shot by Cebolla Rodriguez which would have meant maybe not going to the WC. He has great reflexes.
Lastly, I think both Bravo and Ter Stagen will benefit from having competition. I beleive that players who have the risk of being left on the bench have to cope with that pressure and bring their best game to avoid it from happening. Having a quality goalie on the bench can only benefit the team - just look what happened to Barca this season when Valdes got injured. Yes, Bravo is 31 but for a goalie that is still pretty young. How old is Buffon? How old is the australian goalie that played CL this season for Chelsea?
Anyways, really happy to have both him and Alexis at Barcelona. I hope fans give them a chance of showing what quality players they both are.
Welcome and well said my Friend!!!
12 million is not a bad price. Barca have pissed away money on players who have not even trained with the club.
Wasn't Kerrison bought for 14 million??? And people still whine here about Bravo's price. He is a very capable keeper and he will give Mats stiff competition for the starter spot.
We have 2 excellent keepers-I wish we could get 2 excellent cbs. There has to be competition for places at a club like this.