Gavin Bazunu

[Miltonaggro]

The point made by LD above was the point I was trying to make yesterday about the clear difference between Gunn and Bazunu for those of us at yesterday's game - the former at least acted like a professional goalkeeper in terms of physical presence and attempting to organise his defence.  The fact that Bazunu is a youngster seems to cause a lot of posters to become over-emotional when defending him on here, but in the ground you can sense the tension whenever he is called upon during our matches.  My view is that if our Board feel he has potential then put him in a place where he can safely realise this potential and hopefully undertake strength training and learn his craft - a loan or number two to a proper mentor.  At 20 it was ridiculous to bring him to a Premier League side as a first choice keeper and the endurance with the experiment looked like doubling down, and at 21 he still doesn't appear have what is required to keep goal for a championship side genuinely focused on promotion. 

Perhaps the best young keeper I remember coming through at Saints was Tim Flowers, and there is some comparison to Bazunu.  Flowers joined Saints as a 20 year old prospect in 1986 understudy to Peter Shilton, exciting talent and England U21, but it was clear he needed beefing up and very raw so loaned out to Swindon after we were hammered by Man U with him in goal to gain confidence and learn his trade. Season after that made about ten appearances and loaned out again.  It was only in his fourth season aged 24 he got the number one jersey from Budgie Burridge, and even then he was still seen as a very young keeper.  However, by then he looked strong, confident, agile, vocal and could marshall a defence, went on for another three or four seasons and almost 200 appearances.  Point is, it was clear he had talent but needed time to grow and gain experience, which he was given.  He also benefited from mentors like Shilton and Burridge at Saints and Fraser Digby at Swindon.  

Like many on here with Bazunu I am saying what I see.  Of course we want him to succeed, how we want to always see our youngsters to succeed but there are what to me seem obvious problems with his game currently.  Edozie is a similar case, talent and potential yes, but problems with strength, craft and decision making too.  Goalkeepers are much more exposed in terms of their game, fan and team-mate focus more intense, and their confidence is more brittle as a result.  One school of thought seems to be 'he's a kid, give him a break' but the problem is that giving him a break could break him as a player - giving him adequate time and help is what might be required.  I was watching the goalkeeper warm up yesterday and McCarthy and Lumley towered above Bazunu who looked like the U18 keeper, they were also more vocal and body language more confident even though they are both below GB in the pecking order - which says a good deal about recent standards.  To protect their investment Sport Republic need to provide Bazunu with a credible mentor and / or some playing time outside the spotlight, anything else in my opinion is between recklessness and wishful thinking.               

[CheshireSaint]

1 hour ago, Miltonaggro said:

The point made by LD above was the point I was trying to make yesterday about the clear difference between Gunn and Bazunu for those of us at yesterday's game - the former at least acted like a professional goalkeeper in terms of physical presence and attempting to organise his defence.  The fact that Bazunu is a youngster seems to cause a lot of posters to become over-emotional when defending him on here, but in the ground you can sense the tension whenever he is called upon during our matches.  My view is that if our Board feel he has potential then put him in a place where he can safely realise this potential and hopefully undertake strength training and learn his craft - a loan or number two to a proper mentor.  At 20 it was ridiculous to bring him to a Premier League side as a first choice keeper and the endurance with the experiment looked like doubling down, and at 21 he still doesn't appear have what is required to keep goal for a championship side genuinely focused on promotion. 

Perhaps the best young keeper I remember coming through at Saints was Tim Flowers, and there is some comparison to Bazunu.  Flowers joined Saints as a 20 year old prospect in 1986 understudy to Peter Shilton, exciting talent and England U21, but it was clear he needed beefing up and very raw so loaned out to Swindon after we were hammered by Man U with him in goal to gain confidence and learn his trade. Season after that made about ten appearances and loaned out again.  It was only in his fourth season aged 24 he got the number one jersey from Budgie Burridge, and even then he was still seen as a very young keeper.  However, by then he looked strong, confident, agile, vocal and could marshall a defence, went on for another three or four seasons and almost 200 appearances.  Point is, it was clear he had talent but needed time to grow and gain experience, which he was given.  He also benefited from mentors like Shilton and Burridge at Saints and Fraser Digby at Swindon.  

Like many on here with Bazunu I am saying what I see.  Of course we want him to succeed, how we want to always see our youngsters to succeed but there are what to me seem obvious problems with his game currently.  Edozie is a similar case, talent and potential yes, but problems with strength, craft and decision making too.  Goalkeepers are much more exposed in terms of their game, fan and team-mate focus more intense, and their confidence is more brittle as a result.  One school of thought seems to be 'he's a kid, give him a break' but the problem is that giving him a break could break him as a player - giving him adequate time and help is what might be required.  I was watching the goalkeeper warm up yesterday and McCarthy and Lumley towered above Bazunu who looked like the U18 keeper, they were also more vocal and body language more confident even though they are both below GB in the pecking order - which says a good deal about recent standards.  To protect their investment Sport Republic need to provide Bazunu with a credible mentor and / or some playing time outside the spotlight, anything else in my opinion is between recklessness and wishful thinking.               

Excellent post. Summed up perfectly.

[sfc4prem]

Like others have said, when you see him at a live match you really realise his lack of presence. Both in terms of physical stature and his lack of verbal command. He inspires no confidence and in no way commands his area or his defence. The goal seems to dwarf him. 

[The Cat]

Angus Gunn, the keeper we had that loads of fans hated because they thought he was shit. Turns out he isn't actually shit. 

Gazzaniga, the keeper we had that loads of fans hated because they thought he was shit. Turns out he isn't actually shit.

They were young, that's all. 

This is why when people say Bazunu is shit and will never improve that they are wrong.

Also, why were people booing Angus Gunn yesterday? 

[Whitey Grandad]

Just now, The Cat said:

Angus Gunn, the keeper we had that loads of fans hated because they thought he was shit. Turns out he isn't actually shit. 

Gazzaniga, the keeper we had that loads of fans hated because they thought he was shit. Turns out he isn't actually shit.

They were young, that's all. 

This is why when people say Bazunu is shit and will never improve that they are wrong.

Also, why were people booing Angus Gunn yesterday? 

“When I was 18 I thought my parents knew nothing. When I was 23 I was surprised how much they had learned in such a short time”

[Badger]

1 minute ago, The Cat said:

Angus Gunn, the keeper we had that loads of fans hated because they thought he was shit. Turns out he isn't actually shit. 

Gazzaniga, the keeper we had that loads of fans hated because they thought he was shit. Turns out he isn't actually shit.

They were young, that's all. 

This is why when people say Bazunu is shit and will never improve that they are wrong.

Also, why were people booing Angus Gunn yesterday? 

Going into MLG mode on you for a minute, but the 'fact' (if it is) that neither Gunn or Gazzainiga are no longer considered shit is no reason, guarantee, or basis to think that Bazunu might develop so he is no longer considered shit.

That said, what it tends to support - for me anyway - is that we simply haven't handled their development as young goalkeepers well. And/or the original decision(s) to sign them was flawed.

[The Cat]

1 minute ago, Badger said:

Going into MLG mode on you for a minute, but the 'fact' (if it is) that neither Gunn or Gazzainiga are no longer considered shit is no reason, guarantee, or basis to think that Bazunu might develop so he is no longer considered shit.

That said, what it tends to support - for me anyway - is that we simply haven't handled their development as young goalkeepers well. And/or the original decision(s) to sign them was flawed.

They were never shit in the first place though. If they were they wouldn't have turned out to be fine keepers now.

Not many young keepers can be developed to the point where they are genuine starters and perform to an excellent standard in the top flight at a very young age. 

De Gea was dodgy when he first came to Man Utd. Chelsea fans hated Kepa. Both were older than Bazunu was last season.

I have no doubt we need another keeper challenging for the first team spot but there's a few who need to lay off a bit, some of the hatred show towards him is irrational and unnecessary.

[Badger]

8 minutes ago, The Cat said:

They were never shit in the first place though. If they were they wouldn't have turned out to be fine keepers now.

Not many young keepers can be developed to the point where they are genuine starters and perform to an excellent standard in the top flight at a very young age. 

De Gea was dodgy when he first came to Man Utd. Chelsea fans hated Kepa. Both were older than Bazunu was last season.

I have no doubt we need another keeper challenging for the first team spot but there's a few who need to lay off a bit, some of the hatred show towards him is irrational and unnecessary.

I don't think there is any hatred shown towards GB. Far from it, I think most fans have laid off and shown a great deal of restraint given our form over the last twelve months and relegation. 

If anything there is a sympathy towards him. Most fans seem to be of the same view, too young and shouldn't have been put in this position for so long.

 

It goes back to my point that we haven't handled their development well. 

Edited 13 August, 2023 by Badger

[Turkish]

2 minutes ago, The Cat said:

They were never shit in the first place though. If they were they wouldn't have turned out to be fine keepers now.

Not many young keepers can be developed to the point where they are genuine starters and perform to an excellent standard in the top flight at a very young age. 

De Gea was dodgy when he first came to Man Utd. Chelsea fans hated Kepa. Both were older than Bazunu was last season.

I have no doubt we need another keeper challenging for the first team spot but there's a few who need to lay off a bit, some of the hatred show towards him is irrational and unnecessary.

It’s not hatred is it. It’s what happens when you’ve got someone in a key position who clearly isn’t up to or ready for the job. It’s not Bazunus fault he keeps being picked but it’s always going to be the reaction of the fans when you’ve got a player that isn’t performing to the level they should be

Gazaniga was shit for us, so we signed Boruc who improved the team immeasurable. Gunn was shit for us, which was why he didn’t keep his place in the side. The problem is the alternative to Bazunu is just as bad. the difference between us and man United and Chelsea is last season every single point was vital for us, when you’ve got a keeper who was statistically the worst in Europes top leagues it’s no wonder fans point the finger in his direction and the signs this season aren’t much better. 
 

the question needs to be asked though as to why after the Gazzaniga and Gunn debacles why don’t people signing players learn the lesson?

[Badger]

9 minutes ago, The Cat said:

 

Not many young keepers can be developed to the point where they are genuine starters and perform to an excellent standard in the top flight at a very young age. 

 

Begs the question, why are we trying still ?

[The Cat]

3 minutes ago, Turkish said:

It’s not hatred is it. It’s what happens when you’ve got someone in a key position who clearly isn’t up to or ready for the job. It’s not Bazunus fault he keeps being picked but it’s always going to be the reaction of the fans when you’ve got a player that isn’t performing to the level they should be

Gazaniga was shit for us, so we signed Boruc who improved the team immeasurable. Gunn was shit for us, which was why he didn’t keep his place in the side. The problem is the alternative to Bazunu is just as bad. the difference between us and man United and Chelsea is last season every single point was vital for us, when you’ve got a keeper who was statistically the worst in Europes top leagues it’s no wonder fans point the finger in his direction and the signs this season aren’t much better. 
 

the question needs to be asked though as to why after the Gazzaniga and Gunn debacles why don’t people signing players learn the lesson?

I've seen him referred to as a "cunt" on here, I'd say that's hatred.

Not sure why the various people in charge of recruitment and goalkeeper coaching from Gazzaniga until now are trying the same policy.

[Turkish]

1 minute ago, The Cat said:

I've seen him referred to as a "cunt" on here, I'd say that's hatred.

Not sure why the various people in charge of recruitment and goalkeeper coaching from Gazzaniga until now are trying the same policy.

I wouldn’t use this place as a measurement for anything we’ve got people on here who think previous owners were so useless they couldn’t even get us relegated

[saintant]

18 minutes ago, The Cat said:

They were never shit in the first place though. If they were they wouldn't have turned out to be fine keepers now.

Not many young keepers can be developed to the point where they are genuine starters and perform to an excellent standard in the top flight at a very young age. 

De Gea was dodgy when he first came to Man Utd. Chelsea fans hated Kepa. Both were older than Bazunu was last season.

I have no doubt we need another keeper challenging for the first team spot but there's a few who need to lay off a bit, some of the hatred show towards him is irrational and unnecessary.

Not sure anyone has claimed to hate him.

[Saint_clark]

3 hours ago, Whitey Grandad said:

That is meaningless piffle and has no place in football this side of the Atlantic.

 

The death of people caring about a keepers shot stopping ability right here ladies and gentleman.

[Luke SkyWalker-Peters]

15 hours ago, Saint_clark said:

No idea as we don't know whether he'd have been able to with better positioning or coming to claim crosses. Seems odd to me that teams that play us are suddenly capable of scoring completely unstoppable goals though.

I'm just going to keep track of that figure game by game. 

Well, the eye-test and the data suggests they were pretty close to unstoppable:

Post-shot XG is seen as the best way to judge a GK's shot stopping. Essentially, if a shot is smashed into the top corner from 1 yard out, it would be calculated as high probability to score (close to 1), if it is hit at the centre of the goal from 40 yards out it will be calculated as low probability to score (close to 0). So goalkeepers who are conceding less goals than the PSXG are performing well.

https://fbref.com/en/comps/10/keepersadv/Championship-Stats#all_stats_keeper_adv

A post-shot XG of 4.6 to the 5 goals he has let in, which suggest that, yes, there has just been some exceptional finishing against us on the goals that went in (as I'm sure we can agree that his 2 saves were fairly routine). I think this supports most people's eye tests. It's only been 2 games, its not a shock that we have been 'unlucky'.

• Goal Wednesday - volley from 10 yards out into the bottom corner. (PSXG won't factor that he initially had to cover the header on the other side of goal, so was forced even worse out of position). https://youtu.be/DC2Z8q7YRJE?t=69
• 1st goal Norwich - Header in the top corner at the far post from a yard out. Impossible cross to collect. (PSXG won't factor that he had to cover the front post for another attacker). https://youtu.be/S4esIDoqadw?t=47
• 2nd goal Norwich - Screamer from the edge of the area into the top corner from a completely unimpeded player. (Probably his easiest to save, PSXG won't factor that he was unsighted by Bednarek though). https://youtu.be/S4esIDoqadw?t=308
• 3rd goal Norwich - Perfect looping header, just inside the post from an unmarked defender 7 yards out.
• 4th goal Norwich - Volley from the penalty spot into the bottom corner. (PSXG doesn't take into account that Bazunu was preparing for a possible pass-back before Manning shit the bed) https://youtu.be/S4esIDoqadw?t=549

I don't think there are many keepers in the world that would have stopped these goals. I very much doubt there will be one that we could have in the Championship.

In terms of saving shots, he is so far statistically performing like an average Championship keeper. His save % is currently not a reflection of the quality of the shots he has conceded.

Bazunu was horrific last season by the eye-test, and was the worst performing keeper in Europe's top 5 leagues in post-shot XG. He couldn't save shots straight at him.

https://fbref.com/en/comps/9/2022-2023/keepersadv/2022-2023-Premier-League-Stats

This is not what has been happening so far this season and he is being unfairly criticised here in my opinion. It's only been 2 games, if this trend of apparently conceding a large number of great shots continues after a larger dataset has been acquired, then there is a cause for concern.

Currently, to me, from the eye test and the data he seems to be doing OK. Personally, I think that shot-stopping is his only weakness and that his distribution, cross-collecting and speed off his line to sweep or close down on a 1v1 is very good.

[The Kraken]

5 minutes ago, Luke SkyWalker-Peters said:

Currently, to me, from the eye test and the data he seems to be doing OK. Personally, I think that shot-stopping is his only weakness and that his distribution, cross-collecting and speed off his line to sweep or close down on a 1v1 is very good.

Call me old fashioned if you will, but IMO being good at shot stopping is pretty much the bulk of being a good keeper. The other parts are very useful to have in addition, but that’s the fundamental you need to have first.

I don’t think he’s a good keeper, but maybe if he can start actually making some saves then it might build him up a bit as I can’t see us signing a replacement for him unfortunately.

[SaintsBarry74]

Granted our defence is shit, but it's also devastating to the team's psychology when you constantly concede and get behind. At this level, it is expected that a goalkeeper will occasionally make game-saving stops to keep you competitive, however, with Bazunu in goal, it feels like any half-assed shot on target will get past him.

The lack of action from the management to address the situation is frankly negligent.

Edited 13 August, 2023 by SaintsBarry74

[Whitey Grandad]

1 hour ago, SaintsBarry74 said:

Granted our defence is shit, but it's also devastating to the team's psychology when you constantly concede and get behind. At this level, it is expected that a goalkeeper will occasionally make game-saving stops to keep you competitive, however, with Bazunu in goal, it feels like any half-assed shot on target will get past him.

The lack of action from the management to address the situation is frankly negligent.

But that hasn’t happened this season.

[Galway saint]

55 minutes ago, Whitey Grandad said:

But that hasn’t happened this season.

We’ve only been played two games - give it time. He got away with one yesterday that was offside and pre-season wasn’t without issues. Some good posts today on this subject. It is however hysterical for posters to suggest people hate him. From my perspective I want us to take the lad out of the firing line and get someone in who can help bring some experience and confidence to the defence. I accept that  appears unlikely as things stand and the failure to address that is what people find frustrating; not the lad himself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[notnowcato]

23 minutes ago, Galway saint said:

We’ve only been played two games - give it time. He got away with one yesterday that was offside and pre-season wasn’t without issues. Some good posts today on this subject. It is however hysterical for posters to suggest people hate him. From my perspective I want us to take the lad out of the firing line and get someone in who can help bring some experience and confidence to the defence. I accept that  appears unlikely as things stand and the failure to address that is what people find frustrating; not the lad himself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bullshit. You were a dick about him all preseason. 

[Luke SkyWalker-Peters]

4 hours ago, The Kraken said:

Call me old fashioned if you will, but IMO being good at shot stopping is pretty much the bulk of being a good keeper. The other parts are very useful to have in addition, but that’s the fundamental you need to have first.

I don’t think he’s a good keeper, but maybe if he can start actually making some saves then it might build him up a bit as I can’t see us signing a replacement for him unfortunately.

Yeah, obviously. But I've seen people here claiming that he's bad at all the other facets, when he isn't. He is in fact very good at everything else, was a horrific shot-stopper last season, but so far this season has been average (i.e. not let in a saveable shot).

Preseason had me worried, but in terms of shot-stopping he looks like an average Championship keeper to me. It has only been two games though, so that opinion might change quickly. In my opinion his only poor bit of goalkeeping was on the disallowed goal (parrying it to a player).

He looks nervous to me, and the currently unjustified negativity from this season won't help. I'm hoping he will just save the ones he should save and gain consistency this season. If he is just around average, then that should be good enough considering how few shots we should be conceding.

We won't get a replacement, he is too good with the ball at his feet compared to other keepers. Martin has conceded a lot of goals from passing it round the back, but it is hard to see that being a common occurrence with Bazunu looking so comfortable with the ball. He will also help us score some goals by drawing opposition players out.

Goalkeepers rarely like competition. It causes doubt, drains confidence and effects their performance. I doubt the club will bring in a real challenger as the no.2 GK.

Edited 13 August, 2023 by Luke SkyWalker-Peters

[James]

12 hours ago, Whitey Grandad said:

But that hasn’t happened this season.

Happened a few times in pre-season and he parried a pretty tame free kick straight back into the danger area. Was extremely lucky Barnes was offside. Having seen the goals back I was too harsh on him for the Norwich performance but he hasn't looked solid so far. If we are serious about promotion he isn't really good enough at the moment.

[Wade Garrett]

Actually thought he did ok on Saturday.  Confidently dealt with  crosses and distribution was ok.

But, the way he dealt with that free-kick that led to the disallowed goal, laid bare his lack of technique.

[Saint Matty 76]

The reaction around us in the Northam when we gave away a 30 yard free-kick was somewhat similar to conceding a penalty. To nobodies surprise he absolutely fluffed it and I have no idea if it were actually offside. I don't blame him on any of the four actual goals this time to be fair.

If the majority of the fans in the stadium are so worried, I wonder what the defence think?

[Whitey Grandad]

19 minutes ago, Saint Matty 76 said:

The reaction around us in the Northam when we gave away a 30 yard free-kick was somewhat similar to conceding a penalty. To nobodies surprise he absolutely fluffed it and I have no idea if it were actually offside. I don't blame him on any of the four actual goals this time to be fair.

If the majority of the fans in the stadium are so worried, I wonder what the defence think?

Of course it was. An experienced, unbiased professional gave it as such so it was offside.

If you have no idea then why even raise the point?

[Saint Matty 76]

Just now, Whitey Grandad said:

Of course it was. An experienced, unbiased professional gave it as such so it was offside.

If you have no idea then why even raise the point?

It wasn't on the highlights, but I believe their manager mentioned it was onside post-game? Like I said, I'm unsure (sorry!) but the point is that he still fucked up a routine save.

No need to skirt around the entire point and pick out one slight technicality. 

[Whitey Grandad]

16 minutes ago, Saint Matty 76 said:

It wasn't on the highlights, but I believe their manager mentioned it was onside post-game? Like I said, I'm unsure (sorry!) but the point is that he still fucked up a routine save.

No need to skirt around the entire point and pick out one slight technicality. 

Their manager is hardly going to be unbiased is he?

He should have done better but it wasn’t quite ‘routine’. He seems to have weak wrists which is not good for someone who plays in goal.

[derry]

Personally If I had been Gavin Bazunu I'd have been thrown out of the club by now. Why because I'd probably have poleaxed any or even all the back four because of their lack of concentration, abysmal positioning and ball watching. I'm not saying he's a good goalkeeper but the twats in front of him are making life incredibly difficult. Instead of bigging up his back four and Stephens in particular Russell Martin needs to get a grip there and lay down the law about concentration and ball watching and if he hasn't got a good defensive coach get one in. For example Bazunu was indicating picking up Sargent but was ignored by KWP who didn't mark properly not for the first or last time either.. 

[Whitey Grandad]

1 minute ago, derry said:

Personally If I had been Gavin Bazunu I'd have been thrown out of the club by now. Why because I'd probably have poleaxed any or even all the back four because of their lack of concentration, abysmal positioning and ball watching. I'm not saying he's a good goalkeeper but the twats in front of him are making life incredibly difficult. Instead of bigging up his back four and Stephens in particular Russell Martin needs to get a grip there and lay down the law about concentration and ball watching and if he hasn't got a good defensive coach get one in. For example Bazunu was indicating picking up Sargent but was ignored by KWP who didn't mark properly not for the first or last time either.. 

Yes, sorting out the defence is an order of magnitude greater than replacing the goalkeeper.

[Lord Duckhunter]

1 hour ago, derry said:

For example Bazunu was indicating picking up Sargent but was ignored by KWP who didn't mark properly not for the first or last time either.. 

Fucking “indicating”, that sums him up. He should have been fucking ranting at him & if he refused to pick him up should have bollocked him afterwards & even given him some clog in the changing room afterwards. “Indicating” my arse, fucking tell them in no uncertain terms. He’s organising a professional sports team, not a Womens institute raffle. A decent keeper who dominates his area wouldn’t have conceded 4 Sat, no fucking chance. 

[saintant]

2 hours ago, derry said:

Personally If I had been Gavin Bazunu I'd have been thrown out of the club by now. Why because I'd probably have poleaxed any or even all the back four because of their lack of concentration, abysmal positioning and ball watching. I'm not saying he's a good goalkeeper but the twats in front of him are making life incredibly difficult. Instead of bigging up his back four and Stephens in particular Russell Martin needs to get a grip there and lay down the law about concentration and ball watching and if he hasn't got a good defensive coach get one in. For example Bazunu was indicating picking up Sargent but was ignored by KWP who didn't mark properly not for the first or last time either.. 

And if I was any of the back four I'd have been thrown out for poleaxing Bazunu because of his lack of concentration and abysmal positioning/shot stopping so I guess it works both ways.

[S-Clarke]

I see people saying ''The club have neglected this position for too long, we need an upgrade on him'' - but we're missing the point here, if we agree with it or not, Bazunu was purchased as our first choice goal keeper 12 months ago. In the clubs eyes this is our 'GK upgrade' from what we had, this is our investment and we're not just going to give up on it.

People need to stop micro-analysing every goal we concede because it won't do anyone any good, none of the goals on Saturday could be put on him.

At the end of the day he is our GK, he's our 1st choice and that isn't going to change. So let's not waste air every week by asking why the club haven't replaced him.

[saintant]

19 hours ago, S-Clarke said:

I see people saying ''The club have neglected this position for too long, we need an upgrade on him'' - but we're missing the point here, if we agree with it or not, Bazunu was purchased as our first choice goal keeper 12 months ago. In the clubs eyes this is our 'GK upgrade' from what we had, this is our investment and we're not just going to give up on it.

People need to stop micro-analysing every goal we concede because it won't do anyone any good, none of the goals on Saturday could be put on him.

At the end of the day he is our GK, he's our 1st choice and that isn't going to change. So let's not waste air every week by asking why the club haven't replaced him.

When he starts performing like a first choice keeper for a club aspiring to win promotion I think the micro-analysing will stop. I'm not holding my breath from what I've seen of him last season, pre-season and this season. I get that he is young but he needs to start showing why the club have this strong belief in him because if he doesn't they are going to have to make a big decision sooner rather than later. 

Edited 15 August, 2023 by saintant

[SNSUN]

56 minutes ago, S-Clarke said:

I see people saying ''The club have neglected this position for too long, we need an upgrade on him'' - but we're missing the point here, if we agree with it or not, Bazunu was purchased as our first choice goal keeper 12 months ago. In the clubs eyes this is our 'GK upgrade' from what we had, this is our investment and we're not just going to give up on it.

People need to stop micro-analysing every goal we concede because it won't do anyone any good, none of the goals on Saturday could be put on him.

At the end of the day he is our GK, he's our 1st choice and that isn't going to change. So let's not waste air every week by asking why the club haven't replaced him.

Paragraph 1 - yes he was signed for big money (for a keeper) but just because a player signs for big money doesn't mean we can't decide after a year he's not good enough and look to improve on him. Maguire (as the first example I can think of) cost Utd £80 million but they're not sticking by him and actively looking at selling him. Just because a player signs for big money doesn't mean they're necessarily going to be a success and sticking by a player who makes mistakes or costs us points would be pig-headedness just because we want to see a return on our investment. I'm not saying Baz is a bad Goalkeeper, I just think it would be crazy not to actively keep looking at the market for goalkeepers in case a better option becomes available for the right price.

Paragraph 2 - I agree none of the goals on Saturday were his fault and he did make a good block in the second half. However there were a couple of times in the first half he looked dodgy with the ball at his feet... which is supposedly one of his strengths. He also got lucky right at the end of the Wednesday game when the ref blew the whistle just as he mis-controlled the ball.

Paragraph 3 - I do agree he's first choice and we will stick by him this season and I do think he will grow in confidence as the year goes on especially if we strengthen the team in front of him. That said this is just a football forum of opinions like this which is the perfect place to air whether our GK should be replaced or not. 

I wasn't Bazunu's biggest fan last season it has to be said... I genuinely think we would have had a few more points on the board had we a better goalkeeper but it's not all his fault that the club pinned all their GK hopes on a young man that was thrust into Premier League action on the back of a League One season. But I do think he's here to stay this season so he gets my backing and hopefully the Championship will be less pressure for him to shine than the spotlight of the Prem.

[SaintsBarry74]

1 hour ago, S-Clarke said:

I see people saying ''The club have neglected this position for too long, we need an upgrade on him'' - but we're missing the point here, if we agree with it or not, Bazunu was purchased as our first choice goal keeper 12 months ago. In the clubs eyes this is our 'GK upgrade' from what we had, this is our investment and we're not just going to give up on it.

People need to stop micro-analysing every goal we concede because it won't do anyone any good, none of the goals on Saturday could be put on him.

At the end of the day he is our GK, he's our 1st choice and that isn't going to change. So let's not waste air every week by asking why the club haven't replaced him.

Last season he was statistically the worst goal keeper (xG) in the top5 leagues across Europe, that's out of how many goalkeepers 150-170? Our defence is shit, but it doesn't help having a keeper that probably wouldn't start for a league one side.

[OnceaSaintalwaysaSaint]

2 hours ago, S-Clarke said:

I see people saying ''The club have neglected this position for too long, we need an upgrade on him'' - but we're missing the point here, if we agree with it or not, Bazunu was purchased as our first choice goal keeper 12 months ago. In the clubs eyes this is our 'GK upgrade' from what we had, this is our investment and we're not just going to give up on it.

People need to stop micro-analysing every goal we concede because it won't do anyone any good, none of the goals on Saturday could be put on him.

At the end of the day he is our GK, he's our 1st choice and that isn't going to change. So let's not waste air every week by asking why the club haven't replaced him.

I vaguely recall, last yea,r you were criticising bringing in such a young and inexperienced keeper as Baz as our No 1 keeper and now you're saying we have to live with him. That is spot on. He wasn't good enough and as a shot stopper, he's still way off the mark, but in many ways, he suits RM's style of play. He is comfortable on the ball, he sees and is accurate with a pass and what was good against Norwich was that he will mix it up and occasionally look for the over the top kick to AA/Tella. And he isn't stuck to his goalline.

It's almost like he's a junior Ederson. If only someone could coach him as to why he has a pair of gloves.

[The Kraken]

8 minutes ago, OnceaSaintalwaysaSaint said:

I vaguely recall, last yea,r you were criticising bringing in such a young and inexperienced keeper as Baz as our No 1 keeper and now you're saying we have to live with him. That is spot on. He wasn't good enough and as a shot stopper, he's still way off the mark, but in many ways, he suits RM's style of play. He is comfortable on the ball, he sees and is accurate with a pass and what was good against Norwich was that he will mix it up and occasionally look for the over the top kick to AA/Tella. And he isn't stuck to his goalline.

It's almost like he's a junior Ederson. If only someone could coach him as to why he has a pair of gloves.

Another option would be to acquire a keeper who is very good at shot stopping and general glovesmanship, and then go to work training him on the distribution side of things.

I still can’t believe I read a post on here yesterday that was intended as a defence of Bazunu and it stated that shot stopping was his only weak point.  I’m quite aware the game has changed in a short number of years and distribution is much more important now, but ffs at least get the basics right first.

 

Edited 14 August, 2023 by The Kraken

[S-Clarke]

47 minutes ago, OnceaSaintalwaysaSaint said:

I vaguely recall, last yea,r you were criticising bringing in such a young and inexperienced keeper as Baz as our No 1 keeper and now you're saying we have to live with him. That is spot on. He wasn't good enough and as a shot stopper, he's still way off the mark, but in many ways, he suits RM's style of play. He is comfortable on the ball, he sees and is accurate with a pass and what was good against Norwich was that he will mix it up and occasionally look for the over the top kick to AA/Tella. And he isn't stuck to his goalline.

It's almost like he's a junior Ederson. If only someone could coach him as to why he has a pair of gloves.

Don't get me wrong, I wasn't sold on the idea of an inexperienced keeper at the time, not as first choice anyway.

But what I'm trying to say is that the club have committed to this, whether we like it or not - they won't be signing a GK to replace one they feel is the number 1. The best we can do is just get behind him, as calling him out after every goal let in is going to be very tiresome.

Edited 14 August, 2023 by S-Clarke

[The Kraken]

3 minutes ago, S-Clarke said:

Don't get me wrong, I wasn't sold on the idea of an inexperienced keeper at the time, not as first choice anyway.

But what I'm trying to say is that the club have committed to this, whether we like it or not - they won't be signing a GK to replace one they feel is the number 1. The best we can do is just get behind him, as calling him out after every goal let in is going to be very tiresome.

When you say “the club” has committed to this, who do you mean? Bazunu was signed when Hasenhuttl was in charge and with Joe Shields seemingly pulling the strings. Both of those are long gone, the goalkeeping coach has changed too. Who is left that is driving this ambition for Bazunu to be number 1?

We’re currently having a refresh of the whole squad and looking to move on players who we spent money on and who aren’t cutting the mustard. If Russ Martin is getting direction from somewhere that Bazunu is a must have, and he isn’t being allowed to bring in someone else as it’s deemed a long term Saints project, then I’m really intrigued (and concerned) where this direction is coming from.

[Galway saint]

2 minutes ago, The Kraken said:

When you say “the club” has committed to this, who do you mean? Bazunu was signed when Hasenhuttl was in charge and with Joe Shields seemingly pulling the strings. Both of those are long gone, the goalkeeping coach has changed too. Who is left that is driving this ambition for Bazunu to be number 1?

We’re currently having a refresh of the whole squad and looking to move on players who we spent money on and who aren’t cutting the mustard. If Russ Martin is getting direction from somewhere that Bazunu is a must have, and he isn’t being allowed to bring in someone else as it’s deemed a long term Saints project, then I’m really intrigued (and concerned) where this direction is coming from.

I don’t get the we must get behind him line regardless. No one is saying we’ve signed Tall Paul so let’s get behind him despite the fact he’s crap. There are plenty of players we are moving on because they aren’t up to it or don’t fit the mould. If RM thinks he’s a prospect then fine we as fans have to lump it but if he’s being given the direction from elsewhere then it’s a concern. 

[Miltonaggro]

11 hours ago, Galway saint said:

I don’t get the we must get behind him line regardless. No one is saying we’ve signed Tall Paul so let’s get behind him despite the fact he’s crap. There are plenty of players we are moving on because they aren’t up to it or don’t fit the mould. If RM thinks he’s a prospect then fine we as fans have to lump it but if he’s being given the direction from elsewhere then it’s a concern. 

I think that the reactive defence is emotional, mainly due to his age than any latent star quality - an error if you want your side to be as competitive as possible.  Lumley looks like the usual 'third keeper' but if McCarthy goes things get interesting as we will have to bring in a credible replacement.  Bazunu should welcome and benefit from genuine competition and / or mentorship.   

[SambaMaverick]

I'm really wondering why Bazunu gets a complete pass from manager and DoF alike.

Tin foil hat on, but I wonder if he wasn't from Man City and if Man City didn't have a vested interest in his success - would he be getting that same backing? 

Edited 15 August, 2023 by SambaMaverick

[Lighthouse]

1 minute ago, SambaMaverick said:

I'm really wondering why Bazunu gets a complete pass from manager and DoF alike.

Tin foil hat on, but I wonder if he wasn't from Man City and if Man City didn't have a vested interest in his success - would he be getting that same backing? 

It’s so weird how the manager hasn’t come out in the press saying how sh*t he is, after being responsible for a total of zero goals so far this season.

[SambaMaverick]

4 minutes ago, Lighthouse said:

It’s so weird how the manager hasn’t come out in the press saying how sh*t he is, after being responsible for a total of zero goals so far this season.

Why are we not even entertaining the possibility of giving him some competition, or even a capable understudy? If someone outfield had performed that badly last season you'd hope there was something in the works to address that in the transfer market.

Edited 15 August, 2023 by SambaMaverick

[Lighthouse]

10 minutes ago, SambaMaverick said:

Why are we not even entertaining the possibility of giving him some competition, or even a capable understudy? If someone outfield had performed that badly last season you'd hope there was something in the works to address that in the transfer market.

I never said I wouldn't welcome the posibility of some competition, I'd be delighted to see McCarthy out the door and someone more competent brought in. There appears to be a semi-plausible chance of that happening, with the Everton and Palace rumours.

I have genuinely no idea where you get this idea from that he gets a free pass. He lost his place to McCarthy for the final six games of last season and the latter promptly conceded 17 goals.

[SambaMaverick]

3 minutes ago, Lighthouse said:

I never said I wouldn't welcome the posibility of some competition, I'd be delighted to see McCarthy out the door and someone more competent brought in. There appears to be a semi-plausible chance of that happening, with the Everton and Palace rumours.

I have genuinely no idea where you get this idea from that he gets a free pass. He lost his place to McCarthy for the final six games of last season and the latter promptly conceded 17 goals.

McCarthy is also shit, so that'll be why.

The free pass I'm referring to is when the current manager (RM) just shot down any suggestion of someone challenging Bazunu this season, then went on to call him one of the best goalkeepers in the division. Wilcox then chimed in with his anecdote of signing him as a 16-yr-old at City.

RM said Bazunu is first choice, McCarthy second choice and Lumley third choice. His words, not anyone elses - and he was quite adamant in doing so. Why?

Edited 15 August, 2023 by SambaMaverick

[Convict Colony]

On 27/07/2023 at 16:30, Convict Colony said:

Am predicting Baz plays well and makes no mistakes for the month of August.

Let's revisit this statement in September 👌

Me , Jase and Russell believe.

Still 0 goal mistakes for August.

[Convict Colony]

44 minutes ago, SambaMaverick said:

I'm really wondering why Bazunu gets a complete pass from manager and DoF alike.

Tin foil hat on, but I wonder if he wasn't from Man City and if Man City didn't have a vested interest in his success - would he be getting that same backing? 

It's easy, they know more about football than you.

[Galway saint]

12 minutes ago, Convict Colony said:

It's easy, they know more about football than you.

As you know I’ve been one of bazanu’s biggest supporters this season but I agree it’s odd that no one in the club seems to think this needs addressing. The fact he was dropped last season shows they thought there was a problem then and the only thing that seemingly saved him was the fact his replacement was even worse. Suppose we will see what happens if they shift McCarthy 

[Convict Colony]

Just realised make it friendlier bloke said he had season tickets for both the men's and women's teams, bet they were birthday presents from his missus.