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Saints Sign A New Keeper Friday, 20th Jul 2012 10:07
Saints have signed Argentinian born goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga from Gillingham with Tommy Forecast going the other way.
Saints seem to have signalled their intent to start the season with Kelvin Davis in goal after signing Paulo Gazzaniga from Gillingham for an undisclosed fee with Tommy Forecast joining the Kent club on a season long loan as part of the deal, however with Gazzaniga's lack of experience the big question is in what capacity to they intend to use him in the coming year, at only 20 has he been brought for the developement squad, with another experienced keeper coming in or has he been signed as back up to Kelvin and to push him for his place.
If its the latter then the worry could be that in many respects he is at the same level as Bart Bialkowski and this being the case his lack of experience is a worry, a year ago he was released from Valencia in Spain after rising no higher than training with the 4th team plus a few youth team games.
How Gillingham picked him up is uncertain, but they liked what they saw and gave him a two year deal, initially he was second choice and by January had only a Johnstone's Paint trophy and Fa Cup appearance to his name, butb he got into the side in January and held on to his place, playing 19 games keeping 7 clean sheets in the process, which brought him to the attention of Saints amongst other clubs.
He now arrives at St Mary', undoubtably one for the future, but does he have the experience that we need next season ? that is the key, in many respects his career mirrors the early rise of Bart Bialkowski with a promising begining, the big question now is unlike Bart can he push on and realise his potential, will he be the next Joe Hart or the next Bialkowski.
Some of you might accuse me of a bit of negativity on this signing, I dont mean to be, I am trying to assess the situation as it is, there is little evidence of him as a keeper as he has so little track record, yes he is heralded as a big talent, but a year ago he was being released from Valencia after struggling to get into their youth team, what has happened in the short time since ?
I really do hope that he goes on to become Saints keeper for the next decade, however at this time I am worried that he is not ready for the Premier and i do hope that we are looking at a truly experienced Premier keeper whilst bringing on Paulo without pressure, being thrown in at the deep end can make or break a young keeper, I want him to blossom naturally not to be thrown to the lions because we have no choice.
Photo: Action Images
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Good points. We can only wait and see. Maybe a piece in the long term plan in which case a good buy. Is he a fast learner? It would appear so..at least in div 2. A year apprenticeship and then into the lions den, or a year apprenticeship in the lions den. Hmm?! Can you see us spending out on Butland now with the remaining positions needing to be filled? Forecast is only on loan as security which suggests that could be it as far as keeper acquisitions go
He has essentially the same league experience (and similar clean sheet record) as Jack Butland. So our Mr Cortese looks to saved abt 6-7m with this move - Butland is only valued at 8m because he's English. I understand this guy was a fraction of Butland's valuation. I'll save any further comments until after i've seen him play tomorrow... !
Thanks for posting the video Slynch, tiptop watch the whole thing mate it shows there's more about him than just long accurate kicking (which isn't just a boot up field). The guy looks really promising, doesn't look scared to mix it in the box, uses his height well, stays focus and is really quite skilful by the look of things. Obviously can't get too carried away this is a best bits video after all, but definitely feel we have a future number 1 in this guy.
It looks like he is an emergency keeper seeing as though we clearly wanted Butland but wont pay the crazy money they want for him. I can see us possibly adding one more, but if we dont, he is the back up now.
Yes, Tiptop and everyone, you do need to see the whole video. For a tall man, certainly gets down well to those low shots at the near post. Also seems commanding on crosses - something we have been lacking.
"I want him to blossom naturally not to be thrown to the lions because we have no choice." Itchen North. Nor can I or nor do I wish the 'Lions den' to be a regular destination!
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