Ireland fans know all about the quality of Gavin Bazunu. The goalkeeper has been absolutely exemplary during every appearance he has made at international level, making some stunning saves along the way.
Playing at Portsmouth in League One last season, it quickly became clear that he was far too good for that level. That always made this summer a very interesting one as the Dubliner decided on his next move.
That would ultimately be a permanent transfer from Manchester City to Southampton, where Bazunu should get the opportunity to establish himself as a Premier League no. 1. He will be competing with Alex McCarthy for that position, but judging by the reaction to his debut this afternoon, it won't be long before he makes that spot his own.
Gavin Bazunu makes Southampton debut
Gavin Bazunu made his debut for Southampton this afternoon, starting in their friendly against RB Leipzig.
While it can be difficult to judge a player in such fixtures, the goalkeeper's talent became immediately obvious. He made an absolutely remarkable save inside the opening ten minutes to keep his side on level terms.
Less than 10 minutes into his Southampton debut, Gavin Bazunu is already doing outrageous things at the club 🤯pic.twitter.com/Dq0dHZhGxr
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) July 16, 2022
He was impressive throughout the opening 45 minutes, with his distribution as well as his shot-stopping ability catching the eye as he kept a clean sheet.
As is custom during pre-season, Bazunu was taken off at halftime to give Alex McCarthy some playing time..
It certainly seems as though he impressed the Southampton fans during his time on the pitch.
Oh my, Gavin Bazunu#SaintsFC
— Jacob Tanswell (@J_Tanswell) July 16, 2022
Bazunu looks class so far ngl
— Matty Southampton Guy (@Matty_SFC) July 16, 2022
bazunu is actually insane holy fuck#SaintsFC
— Will Jackson (@Willlljacksson) July 16, 2022
First save in a #SaintsFC shirt for Gavin Bazunu and some save it is.
— Benjy Nurick (@BenjyNurick) July 16, 2022
Yep. Gavin Bazunu is the real deal. I’m sold. #saintsfc
— SH (@swhftbl) July 16, 2022
It’s only been 7mins and Bazunu is our best keeper atm
— Will 🏴 (@Sfcwill_2) July 16, 2022
Gavin Bazunu has got to start as our number one
That’s not an opinion, that’s a fact 🔥#saintsfc pic.twitter.com/RiPqktt6qB— Southampton FC Updates (@TheSaintCentre) July 16, 2022
Bazunu has been unreal so far. If he can keep this up he’ll be a very very good signing. #saintsfc
— 🇦🇹🏌️♂️🏴 (@arhgsfc) July 16, 2022
Bazunu done extremely well with everything that came his way, even a underhit pass from ABK. His distribution is extremely good too. Whilst djenepo has been good, it's worth noting he's up against a 18 Yr old making his pro debut. #saintsfc
— Andrew (@andrew2021k) July 16, 2022
Was excited about Bazunu before watching him in a saints shirt. But he looks some keeper. #SaintsFC
— Scott (@ScottyDyer3) July 16, 2022
I know we’re one half into preseason and it’s just…preseason.
But Gavin Bazunu is looking just as good as advertised.
Exudes so much confidence. Calm with the all at his feet and when crosses come into the box. So commanding. And at just 20-years-old. #SaintsFC— Benjy Nurick (@BenjyNurick) July 16, 2022
Quite the reaction.
Incidentally, Alex McCarthy would concede a matter of minutes after coming on.
It's taken 10 minutes of McArthy in goal for Bazunu to cement the #1 spot #SaintsFC
— Saint Harris (@LHarrisSFC) July 16, 2022
McCarthy is so bad. Tbh I’m glad he’s on so Ralph can see how shit he is meaning Bazunu should start. #SouthamptonFC #SaintsFc
— SFCTrey (@TreySfc19) July 16, 2022
Fraser Forster finished the season as Southampton's first choice goalkeeper, since moving on to Spurs this summer. Considering the fact that McCarthy could not get into the team for much of the previous campaign, it would be a huge surprise were Gavin Bazunu not to quickly establish himself as the no. 1 at St Mary's.
That is certainly good news for Stephen Kenny and Ireland supporters, with Bournemouth's Mark Travers also set to act as a first choice goalkeeper in the division in the months ahead.
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