If Koeman doesn't rate Gazzaniga from seeing him train every day then I suggest he is done as a saints player.
What absolute crock Davis is no worse than when he was our first choice. On balance he has done more positive than negative since he has come back into the squad
Funny you use the term "crock". I would suggest that Tom was referring to career left, in which case he is right. Kelvin is pretty much completed his playing career whereas Paulo is young and years ahead of him. Nothing like jumping in though, eh? Where are all the Fraser knockers by the way? Where are those people who judged him for not saving a one v one against united or being beaten by Frank Lampard's shot, etc. please don't tell me some people are finally realising the value and strength he brought to the defence?
That's no use to anyone if he can't keep the ball out of the net. I've seen enough of Gazzaniga I'm afraid.
The thing is, people are forgetting that Paolo is only 23 years old, which is still very young for a goalkeeper in the top flight. When Nigel Adkins was forced to throw him into the first team he was only 21, with all his experience coming from playing for Gillingham. I think he's probably getting better all the time, as he showed in that U21 final. He has had the benefit of working with Dave Watson all season after all. Those of you who regularly watch the U21's might know differently, but it's just possible he might turn into a half decent keeper. With Kelvin coming to the end of his career and Fraser out for goodness knows how long, he might just get another shot at the first team. Of course we need to buy a first-choice keeper, unless Artur is coming back, but I think Gazza is going to be around next season as second choice.
That's all well and good, but don't forget that each position higher in the league that you finish is an extra 1.2 million. That's a difference of 3.6 million (between 5th and 8th). Is it worth risking that dough solely for the purpose of blooding in a young goalkeeper who in all likelihood, is never going to make the grade? PS _ I hope I'm wrong of course, and I do agree that we should support Gazza. Just not yet
Like people are pointing out Toby should be in defence? There is nothing wrong with Yoshida. If you look since Forster has been injured we have let in goals easier. Is it because Kelvin doesn't give the back four as much confidence? Or is it because he is slow to some shots that Forster would have saved? Since Forster was injured: Davis: Played: 5 Conceded: 7 Saves: 7 Clean sheets: 1 Is it all Davis's fault? Of course not. But is also not all Yoshida's fault or because Toby is in midfield. We all know Davis has been loyal and amazing for our club. But we also know at 38 you will start to decline. Yes he has a great reaction time for balls that are hit near him. But his diving to the sides to save a shot on the floor has been slow for years. I will still think of him as one of my fave Saints players, but I feel it is now time to move on.
No one's pointing fingers. Just pointing out the bleeding obvious that Gazzaniga has a future as a player, with or without Saints. Kelvin does not. Therefore it's logical to give Gazzaniga a chance.
Actually, he kept two clean sheets, Burnley and Hull. And he wasn't at fault for either penalty against Sunderland, so what gives?! Yes one big cock-up against Stoke and he should have done better with the second Spurs goal (which ultimately was the defence's fault more than his anyway), but he has pulled off some quality saves too. It's not like Forster didn't receive the odd bit of criticism now and again. You didn't want him to be dropped. If we have to pick on someone, then why not pick on Fonte for kung-fu kicking an opposition striker in the face? Or maybe big Vic for his below par performance and for the number of yellows he picks up? To suggest that we should should be playing Gazzaniga, who let's face it, was absolutely woeful when given a chance, is just ridiculous. There is still a lot at stake. Gazza has plenty of time in the future to get the experience he needs.
Why is it bleeding obvious? Because he's young? Not every youth player makes the grade, you know. In fact I'm pretty sure it's quite a small fraction who do.
Why would I want Forster dropped? He played well when in the team apart from a few mistakes. Forster got far more criticism then Davis ever has. Some posters on here went crazy on him for little or no reason. Now he isn't playing our defencive performance has dropped a hell of a lot. I also don't think you understood what I ment by my post. Look at the part where I said I didn't blame Davis totally. People are saying put Toby back into defence and dropping Yoshida, yet Yoshida hasn't done much wrong. So why should Davis who has, be free from being dropped? As for Gazza have you seen him play lately? If not, I can tell you he has improved a lot and has gained confidence as well.
Well, he's played for Gillingham and did enough to earn a move to a PL club. I'd call that making the grade.
