In the second in the series we look at Paolo Gazzaniga and his contribution to a first season back in the Premier League.
When 20 year old Paulo Gazzaniga arrived at St Mary's in July 2012, there weren't many Saints supporters who assumed that he had been sigend as anything else than one for the future, most also thought that Saints would sign an experienced keeper and that Paolo would be at best challenging Kelvin Davis for a place on the bench.
A look at Gazza's career stats confirmed that view, at Gillingham he had only broken into the side in January and had only 19(1) games behind him in league football, there could be no confusion here, this was a goalkeeper signed for his potential, who would gain experience and perhaps in a year or two would challenge for the top spot.
This didnt prove to be the case though, Saints failed to sign the top knotch keeper the fans expected and then after Kelvin Davis and the ramshackle defence had conceded six at Arsenal, Gazzaniga found himself suddenly thrown into a bottom of the table clash at home to Aston Villa with only that half season at Gillingham under his belt plus a Carling Cup tie at Stevenage to his name.
He was oustanding in that game and played his part in the 4-1 win, he kept his place for a couple of more games and then after the signing of Boruc found himself back to where he should have been.
But if he thought his baptism of fire was over he was wrong, Boruc was clearly not ready and he found himself back in the side for another six game spell, the truth is he didnt disgace himself, yes he made one howler, but in the main coped admirably behind a defence that just wasnt set out to defend at times and was prone to lapses in concentration.
Gazza had his critics, but they didnt take into account his inexperience, of his 9 appearances, 3 were wins, 3 were draws and 3 defeats, he conceded only 12 goals in those games which at a ratio of 1.33 per game is better than the season average of 1.58 overall, in terms of points again his appearances saw an average of 1.33 per game earned compared to the season average of only 1.08.
Perhaps this should tell some people something about Gazzaniga, he came into a side in turmoil without the experience that was really needed, he played a part in getting vital points in games when it was really needed, now he will hopefully further his education and gain the experience that he needs, Paulo Gazzaniga has what it takes to make himself first team goalkeeper at this club in the future, fans shouldnt judge him on one howler, they should judge him on what he does in the future and be grateful that he stood strong at a crucial time of the season.
Overall I would say 7/10 for Gazza, not a big part but a vital one all the same,