Gavin Bazunu G Standard Liege (loan from Southampton) b.2002

[ontheotherhand]

If he broke through now and was a reliable Championship centre back he'd still probably be starting for Ireland. He had 163 Premier League appearances and was part of the team that actually qualified for and competed at a WC. Bazunu, Collins et al have a long way to go to reach the same heights.

[jbyrne]

My honest, but probably controversial opinion on Gary Breen. If he broke through now he'd be a Championship player and he'd be lucky to get 10 caps for Ireland. He benefitted from being around at a time when we had a good team but were weak at centre back, and his legacy is enhanced by his World Cup goal and the famous chant/song about him.

when it mattered on the world stage Breen had a very good WC 2002. started all 4 matches from memory.
not sure how our weakness at centre back at that time manifested itself. we only conceded 5 goals in 10 qualification games in a group that contained portugal and holland!

[pineapple stu]

We were steeped against Holland at home! They should have won that 3 or 4-0 if we're honest. Portugal probably should have beaten us out there too, but the Dutch game was the one we really got away with.

But yeah, Breen was quite solid at the World Cup, and other than the Dutch game I don't recall us being too ropey defensively around that time, even though I think there was always a feeling Breen/Dunne/even Stan were an accident that could happen.

Football has changed in 20 years of course. It's fun to compare eras but ultimately pointless. If Breen broke through now, he'd have better coaching, etc, to make him a better player than he was then.

[jbyrne]

We were steeped against Holland at home! They should have won that 3 or 4-0 if we're honest. Portugal probably should have beaten us out there too, but the Dutch game was the one we really got away with.

But yeah, Breen was quite solid at the World Cup, and other than the Dutch game I don't recall us being too ropey defensively around that time, even though I think there was always a feeling Breen/Dunne/even Stan were an accident that could happen.

Football has changed in 20 years of course. It's fun to compare eras but ultimately pointless. If Breen broke through now, he'd have better coaching, etc, to make him a better player than he was then.

we were down to 10 men for most of the second half.
how many saves did given actually have to make in that game?

we should have won 3/4-1 in amsterdam but thats football!

easily the most impressive qualification I have ever witnessed from us.

[pineapple stu]

We were - and I don't want to take away from the rest of the campaign, especially Holland away - but in terms of shaky defence of that era, that game stands out for me.

Stan and Given falling over each other (and van Nistelrooy falling over them) stands out, as does Kluivert firing wide when we gave possession away on the edge of the box for no reason. Both before Kelly was sent off as I recall (certainly the first one was the first half), and both shambolic defending

Think there were a couple of other incidents too. Keane may have held that match together on his own just by bollocking people. We don't have anyone in that role now

[Eirambler]

We were steeped against Holland at home! They should have won that 3 or 4-0 if we're honest. Portugal probably should have beaten us out there too, but the Dutch game was the one we really got away with.

But yeah, Breen was quite solid at the World Cup, and other than the Dutch game I don't recall us being too ropey defensively around that time, even though I think there was always a feeling Breen/Dunne/even Stan were an accident that could happen.

Football has changed in 20 years of course. It's fun to compare eras but ultimately pointless. If Breen broke through now, he'd have better coaching, etc, to make him a better player than he was then.

Cunningham was the only centre back at that time that I had any confidence in. And even he was originally a right back at club level if I remember correctly, Mick tried to turn him and, bizarrely, Ian Harte into centre backs because we were so short (so was Ian as it turned out and that part of the experiment didn't last too long).

Staunton was a left midfielder, turned left back, turned centre back who was only there because he had no pace left to play any other position, Dunne was talented but unprofessional and miles from the standout defender he would later become and Breen pretty much guaranteed you one shocker of a mistake per game and it was usually just a question of whether we got away with it that day or not. It was a long way from the Moran/McGrath/McCarthy/O'Leary days just a few years previous to that.

[elatedscum]

I should have qualified but I thought it was obvious; Irish players.

That's a pretty small pool to work with. Think we've had 5 or 6 first choice keepers in the last 30 years, with Given being the only one to earn the gloves young enough to be compared to Bazunu.

But I'll try... John O'Shea? Made a lot of mistakes in an Ireland shirt (and for United too) early in his career. From an Ireland perspective, Trap came in and the mistakes stopped.

[pineapple stu]

Cunningham was the only centre back at that time that I had any confidence in. And even he was originally a right back at club level if I remember correctly, Mick tried to turn him and, bizarrely, Ian Harte into centre backs because we were so short (so was Ian as it turned out and that part of the experiment didn't last too long).
Yeah, Cunningham was a right-back originally alright.

Though - how did you cover Mick's bizarre (or enforced? Given Liam Daish was probably next in line) centre-back conversions without mentioning the Roy Keane experiment?!

[Eirambler]

True, possibly my brain has felt the need over the years to block out that one!

[Stuttgart88]

I thought Bazunu could have done better trying to cut out a low cross last week but Jaysus, Chelsea’s Kepa just carefully shepherded a similar ball into Mahrez’s path for City’s goal. Practically an assist.

[BOOMSHAKALAKA]

Does anyone remember Given having a few difficult spells? Dropped at Newcastle? Remember Robbie Keane barely got a run out with Inter Milan, he only scored 4 goals in a season for Leeds when he was 21.

Players go through bad spells and on learning curves. People may make a judgement on players at a particular moment, I do it myself but we can be too rash in making judgements. Every player goes through peaks and troughs, well most players at this level.

Foot.ie posters might have been worrying about Robbie Keane in 2001, writing about Richard Dunne falling down the league's and all that kinda stuff. Hindsight tells us we should relax and watch these babies develop. I'm not really sure what my point is but I'm clicking post quick reply and nobody can stop me.

BOOMSHAKALAKA!!!

[tetsujin1979]

I thought Bazunu could have done better trying to cut out a low cross last week but Jaysus, Chelsea’s Kepa just carefully shepherded a similar ball into Mahrez’s path for City’s goal. Practically an assist.

He actively avoided contact with low crosses at least twice.

[ontheotherhand]

Bazunu and Travers both in line for Save of the Month...if there was a howler of the month they might be in line for that too but..swings and roundabouts etc.

[Stuttgart88]

Does anyone remember Given having a few difficult spells? Dropped at Newcastle? Remember Robbie Keane barely got a run out with Inter Milan, he only scored 4 goals in a season for Leeds when he was 21.

Players go through bad spells and on learning curves. People may make a judgement on players at a particular moment, I do it myself but we can be too rash in making judgements. Every player goes through peaks and troughs, well most players at this level.

Foot.ie posters might have been worrying about Robbie Keane in 2001, writing about Richard Dunne falling down the league's and all that kinda stuff. Hindsight tells us we should relax and watch these babies develop. I'm not really sure what my point is but I'm clicking post quick reply and nobody can stop me.

BOOMSHAKALAKA!!!I actually remember discussing Robbie with a Leeds supporting pal over 20 years ago and how bad he was in one-on-ones for Leeds. He went on to become a master of those situations. Except in Paris :(

[Diggs246]

I actually remember discussing Robbie with a Leeds supporting pal over 20 years ago and how bad he was in one-on-ones for Leeds. He went on to become a master of those situations. Except in Paris :(

That was Duff that missed in paris

[Stuttgart88]

Did Keane not try to round Lloris and ran it too wide and over the line?

[paul_oshea]

Cunningham was the only centre back at that time that I had any confidence in. And even he was originally a right back at club level if I remember correctly, Mick tried to turn him and, bizarrely, Ian Harte into centre backs because we were so short (so was Ian as it turned out and that part of the experiment didn't last too long).

Staunton was a left midfielder, turned left back, turned centre back who was only there because he had no pace left to play any other position, Dunne was talented but unprofessional and miles from the standout defender he would later become and Breen pretty much guaranteed you one shocker of a mistake per game and it was usually just a question of whether we got away with it that day or not. It was a long way from the Moran/McGrath/McCarthy/O'Leary days just a few years previous to that.

You've said exactly what I was thinking. Always felt any game Breen was likely to mess up and then funnily enough blame someone else. He was friendly with Connoly for a good while too, their personalities matched. A keen interest in apportioning blame everywhere but at themselves. Staunton was so slow and laboured, we had two very good full backs in the mould of wing backs now but our CD did not inspire any sort of confidence outside of Kenny Cunningham. And i know at the time the feeling around Breen was shared with most Irish supporters.

[ontheotherhand]

I thought Bazunu could have done better trying to cut out a low cross last week but Jaysus, Chelsea’s Kepa just carefully shepherded a similar ball into Mahrez’s path for City’s goal. Practically an assist.

That's getting analyzed all over Twitter....What was he playing at? Seemed to have 0 awareness of anything outside of the shot threat. Genuinely could have reached the ball even late on but watched it go by him to the back post.

[nigel-harps1954]

Bazunu probably could have done a little better with Crystal Palace opener today.

1611706800533012481

[tommy_c12000]

Nearly point blank range so I’d probably give him a break on that one, God knows he needs one!

Solid second half from Gavin, one save, and one vital punch to intercept the last palace attack. He was definitive. Good win from Southampton. Hopefully this will ignite their league form too and help Gav get back on better form.

His distribution is noticeably a lot more hit and hope under Jones mind you, not surprising

[nigel-harps1954]

Otherwise decent game with a couple of important interventions. Southampton through to the next round.

[pineapple stu]

Nearly point blank range so I’d probably give him a break on that one, God knows he needs one!
Suppose they're the margins you're looking at, aren't you? Look at Martinez in the World Cup Final facing a much better-struck shot for example.

But Southampton do feel like a team that need a win. An easy home tie next would be great - but unfortunately it's Man City in the League Cup on Wednesday...

[ontheotherhand]

Nearly point blank range so I’d probably give him a break on that one, God knows he needs one!

Solid second half from Gavin, one save, and one vital punch to intercept the last palace attack. He was definitive. Good win from Southampton. Hopefully this will ignite their league form too and help Gav get back on better form.

His distribution is noticeably a lot more hit and hope under Jones mind you, not surprising

Yeah his distribution stuck out against Forest as well. He was just lumping it high and long. That's disappointing.

[seanfhear]

Suppose they're the margins you're looking at, aren't you? Look at Martinez in the World Cup Final facing a much better-struck shot for example.

But Southampton do feel like a team that need a win. An easy home tie next would be great - but unfortunately it's Man City in the League Cup on Wednesday...
Ah Jaysus ! !

[paul_oshea]

That's a pretty small pool to work with. Think we've had 5 or 6 first choice keepers in the last 30 years, with Given being the only one to earn the gloves young enough to be compared to Bazunu.

But I'll try... John O'Shea? Made a lot of mistakes in an Ireland shirt (and for United too) early in his career. From an Ireland perspective, Trap came in and the mistakes stopped.

John O'Sheas a good one, he had 2 good years playing relatively consistently with Utd and mainly in Centre of Defence, the more he played in that position he did alright but had a few dodgy moments. He was moved out then, and definitely had more of them. BUt i never felt as nervous about him as I did about Breen and O'Shea would have been playing in a higher pressured environment definitely more at stake with united.

[SkStu]

Played well tonight against City. Solid and unspectacular. Wasn’t overly tested it must be said but he did what he was asked to. Nice to see him keep a clean sheet.

(still a few mins left, hope I haven’t put a hex on him)

[joey B]

Great for him and his club to get into a semi final,City were dreadful but hopefully this is a catalyst for him for the rest of the season....

[paul_oshea]

I wouldn't be getting too carried away with the clean sheet. City were awful no shots on target.

[SkStu]

My apologies for the giddiness above :)

[Asterix]

I wouldn't be getting too carried away with the clean sheet. City were awful no shots on target.

well haaland would have had two but bazunu prevented them

[ontheotherhand]

Getting a lot of love on the Southampton fans forum which is nice to see for a change!

[culloty82]

And after avoiding both Man United and Newcastle, has more than a decent chance of playing at Wembley in his first season!

[Eirambler]

They drew Newcastle. Still a decent opportunity for them though.

[Stuttgart88]

Quietly assured and definitely no sign of his defence having the jitters because of him! In fact the chemistry between him and his centre-backs looked good.

One simple-looking thing stood out for me, when a nasty inswinger late in the game just eluded Haaland's head. He kept following the ball and made a relatively routine diving catch to his left. I've seen keepers failing to anticipate the ball being missed and the ball curling in at the far post. I think Southampton even scored one like that at the weekend. I think it showed good concentration and good judgment.

[BOOMSHAKALAKA]

Well done to young Gav. I think he has the inner self belief to get over any poor performances. Would be nice to see him reach a final.

[Stuttgart88]

Bazunu and Travers both in line for Save of the Month...if there was a howler of the month they might be in line for that too but..swings and roundabouts etc.Bazunu wins it.

https://www.premierleague.com/news/3016884

I like how he's even showing 2 fingers to Stu too :)

[pineapple stu]

I like how he's even showing 2 fingers to Stu too :)
Ah, he's earned it in fairness :)

Though this article here (https://www.football365.com/news/feature-premier-league-goalkeepers-ranked-psxg-liverpool-alisson-man-utd-de-gea) makes for grim reading (for all three of our keepers, lest I be accused of bias again).

We're not quite in the brave new world people talk of yet, I think.

[Stuttgart88]

The numbers tell part of the story for sure but as an Arsenal watcher I think Ramsdale isn't playing anywhere near as well as last year, for example, and Kepa (+4.6!!) has been brutal. Handed Man City their win on a plate, at fault again last night I'm told.

[Jd2793]

The numbers tell part of the story for sure but as an Arsenal watcher I think Ramsdale isn't playing anywhere near as well as last year, for example, and Kepa (+4.6!!) has been brutal. Handed Man City their win on a plate, at fault again last night I'm told.

kepa has been good this year though and the numbers prove it. 2 errors dont change that.

[ontheotherhand]

Ah, he's earned it in fairness :)

Though this article here (https://www.football365.com/news/feature-premier-league-goalkeepers-ranked-psxg-liverpool-alisson-man-utd-de-gea) makes for grim reading (for all three of our keepers, lest I be accused of bias again).

We're not quite in the brave new world people talk of yet, I think.

Bit harsh on Kelleher. He doesn't get a mention despite playing fairly well when called upon albeit not in the league. The article goes on as if Allison is their only option.

Doesn't paint the greatest picture for Bazunu or Travers. If we get one proper EPL level keeper and a good Championship level backup out of the 3 we'd be happy enough. Still time for all 3 to make it at the highest level though.

[JR89]

Why would he get a mention. They don't mention other back up keepers bar Chelsea and West Ham I believe.

[pineapple stu]

Well the problem for Kelleher really is that he's stuck behind by far and away the form keeper in the league, and the player who's saving Liverpool's season from being a horrible mess. (If those numbers are to be believed - xG is always controversial of course)

Means he's even less likely to get any real game time, even in the FA Cup (which Liverpool may be targetting to rescue a dire season - it might even be a Euro safety net if they can't turn things around in the league)

[ontheotherhand]

Why would he get a mention. They don't mention other back up keepers bar Chelsea and West Ham I believe.

They managed to get Travers in as well.....

I get why he isn't in there as he hasn't played in the league (right?) but it's just the way it's phrased as if Allison is their only option and they'd be completely fooked without him. Kelleher at this point has at least proved he is an able deputy. Not a big deal though. I'm just being overly defensive about one of ours.

Hopefully he gets his move soon.

[pineapple stu]

I presume players are only included if they've played a certain minimum number of games. Chelsea have flipped between Mendy and Kepa. Bournemouth are the only other team with two keepers noted and again, Travers and Neto have shared the jersey this season (because Neto was signed after the start of the season and then got injured)

[ontheotherhand]

Yeah that makes sense. As I said, I'm just being a bit defensive.

It does make for grim reading but I suppose we at least HAVE 2 of them being compared at that level now. I'm still hopeful Bazunu can play at that level and Travers can at least play at Championship level.

[Razors left peg]

There is a surprising amount of negativity on this thread with Bazunu.

Hes 20.........

20 year old goalkeepers will make mistakes no matter what the level they are at. His mistakes highlighted more because hes playing in Premiership. Of course hes gonna have periods where he is a bit inconsistent but the level of talent he has is enough for his club to stick with through that.

I remember De Gea when he joined United 1st, 19 years old and made mistakes all the time. The club seen enough there to know he was a top class keeper and would learn. Bazunu will be the same. He could be best keeper in the world at 25 with the experience he is getting at such a young age. Very few keepers in world football are even getting 1st team football at that age in top divisions.

[Eirambler]

To be fair I think Travers has already shown that he is a more than capable Championship keeper - he's our third choice, if NI, Scotland or Wales had him he'd probably be their starting keeper. The issue is whether he can step up to be an EPL level keeper in the long term. For me he will have to become a much more commanding keeper to achieve that. And maybe a better ball playing one also. There's a lot to improve on there but he's still young for a keeper.

Bazunu is learning on the job and not getting much protection while doing so. It would have been much better for him if Southampton had one of those seasons where they don't do much but keep themselves clear of the relegation battle. That hasn't happened unfortunately so he's straight in at the deep end. The midweek cup game was encouraging so hopefully he kicks on from there. He's clearly not there yet but I do think he'll be a top keeper in a few years. Easy to forget he's still 20, that's probably the equivalent of 18 for an outfield player. His career up to now has been incredible, even allowing for the current dip in form.

[ontheotherhand]

There is a surprising amount of negativity on this thread with Bazunu.

Hes 20.........

20 year old goalkeepers will make mistakes no matter what the level they are at. His mistakes highlighted more because hes playing in Premiership. Of course hes gonna have periods where he is a bit inconsistent but the level of talent he has is enough for his club to stick with through that.

I remember De Gea when he joined United 1st, 19 years old and made mistakes all the time. The club seen enough there to know he was a top class keeper and would learn. Bazunu will be the same. He could be best keeper in the world at 25 with the experience he is getting at such a young age. Very few keepers in world football are even getting 1st team football at that age in top divisions.


I agree completely. I'm still pretty sure Bazunu will turn out to be a world class keeper and this current rocky patch will be put behind him just like the one he had at Rochdale. He's a kid who has flown up the levels since appearing for Rovers only 5 years ago. That'd be tough in any career and you'd expect mistakes to be made.

[SkStu]

There is a surprising amount of negativity on this thread with Bazunu.

Hes 20.........

20 year old goalkeepers will make mistakes no matter what the level they are at. His mistakes highlighted more because hes playing in Premiership. Of course hes gonna have periods where he is a bit inconsistent but the level of talent he has is enough for his club to stick with through that.

I remember De Gea when he joined United 1st, 19 years old and made mistakes all the time. The club seen enough there to know he was a top class keeper and would learn. Bazunu will be the same. He could be best keeper in the world at 25 with the experience he is getting at such a young age. Very few keepers in world football are even getting 1st team football at that age in top divisions.

How on earth has this post not had more “thanks”. First bit of common sense on Bazunu in (p)ages. He’s an incredible prospect and is already solid enough to be arguably holding his own in a high pressure environment - for Southampton and for a 20 year old keeper.

[tommy_c12000]

A couple of more bombscare moments for Gavin today, but most importantly they got the win. Hopefully they will keep up the momentum. Amazing learning experience for him this season, hopefully he can keep his number 1 position