In Focus: Bazunu brilliance can march Saints back to top flight

Gavin Bazunu can be the key to Southampton's Premier League return if he remains at the club this summer.

The Irish stopper joined the Saints in the summer of 2022 but was unable to help them retain their top-flight status.

Bazunu, 21, has already made 13 appearances for the Republic of Ireland — making his debut at just 19 and cementing himself as the No1.

As he prepares to suit up for his country against Gibraltar tonight, we take a look a the former Manchester City man in more detail.

A Saint on the South Coast

Bazunu was often highlighted for his mistakes in a poor Southampton squad last term.

Having conceded 56 goals in the league, the Dublin native was still able to demonstrate his quality between the sticks, although the odd error did creep into his game.

The ex-Portsmouth loanee made 69 saves across the season and ranked in the top five for crosses caught (31).

Standing at only 6ft 1in, Bazunu is able to command his box and not afraid to throw himself about.

Give or take

Former Ireland international Shay Given has given his take on Bazunu and offered some advice to the young goalkeeper.

He said: "As a goalkeeper, probably more than any outfield player, people look more at the negatives more than the positives.

"You could have had a brilliant game and everyone is singing your praises, but one negative comment, and that sort of resonates with you more.

"Maybe the benefits of winning lots of games next year in the championship will do him the world of good as well."

Live and learn

Bazunu endured a very mixed season for both club and country, often finding himself starting one game and then being dropped for the next.

In the Premier League, he was left on the bench for the final six games of the campaign under Ruben Selles and will have been disappointed to lose his place to Caoimhin Kelleher in one of the March internationals against Latvia.

But a keeper's career can often last until they are approaching the age of 40 and Bazunu has nearly two decades to make the most of his time at the top level.

There is no doubt that the youngster has potential — otherwise Manchester City would have got rid of him much sooner — but it is clear that he has much to work on if he wants to become one of Europe's best.

Nothing is impossible

And Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley is one man who thinks Bazanu can become a world-class keeper — if he keeps his head down.

The man who gave the youngster his debut at Rovers, said: "He does a lot of work behind the scenes on his mentality with a sports psychologist. That is his biggest strength.

"No other goalkeeper as young has had that number of games in any of Europe's top leagues. I genuinely feel he can be one of the very best in the world,"

Bazunu can gain sme vital experience in a tough second tier and will hope to be the rock upon which Saints build there promotion charge.