Claudio Bravo ‘best in world’ says ex-Manchester City boss Pellegrini

Manchester City stopper Claudio Bravo has been hailed as the world’s best goalkeeper by former City boss Manuel Pellegrini.

The Chilean has defended his fellow countryman after City’s 3-1 defeat to Chelsea in Saturday’s early Premier League kick-off at the Etihad Stadium.

A Gary Cahill own goal gave Pep Guardiola’s side a 1-0 half-time lead, before strikes from Diego Costa, Willian and Eden Hazard saw Chelsea consolidate their place at the top of the table and make it eight league wins in a row.

Bravo’s performances between the City sticks have been subject to intense scrutiny since his high-profile move from Barcelona.

Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images

England number one Joe Hart moved from City on a season-long loan to Italian outfit Torino after the former Real Sociedad keeper’s move to Manchester in August.

Bravo, along with City defenders John Stones, Nicolas Otamendi and Aleksandar Kolorov, were singled out for criticism after the defeat to Antonio Conte’s Blues.

However, Pellegrini, now head coach at Chinese Super League side Hebei Fortune, says the Chile captain’s glittering club career proves he is the best stopper on the planet.

“He is criticised a lot but Claudio Bravo is the best goalkeeper in the world,” Pellegrini said.

“The English press are very hard on him, as they are with the entire world.

“And if Bravo has gone from Real Sociedad to Barcelona and Barcelona to Man City it is because he is the best goalkeeper in the world.”