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Has Fraser Forster’s poor season put his position under threat?

By Conor Dunford

ENFIELD, ENGLAND - MARCH 25: (L-R) England goalkeepers Joe Hart and Fraser Forster look on during the England training session at the Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on March 25, 2017 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
ENFIELD, ENGLAND - MARCH 25: (L-R) England goalkeepers Joe Hart and Fraser Forster look on during the England training session at the Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on March 25, 2017 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images) /
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Fraser Forster has come under much scrutiny in the current Premier League season, fan’s even calling for the club to replace him. But Forster has not become a bad keeper overnight, has he?

It is without question Fraser Forster has amazing ability as a goalkeeper. As Southampton fan’s we have seen him almost single handedly keep us in games, most notably against Arsenal in February of 2016. He has also demonstrated these heroics in the recent 1-0 win over West Brom.

But on the flipside, you can understand the fans frustrations. Forster has conceded far too many goals from very few shots. Conceding a goal, on average, with every other shot he faces. This is clearly not good enough for a team who have aspirations of breaking into the top six.

The blame for the 44 goals conceded in the league this term cannot be solely blamed on Forster. Defending the goal from the opposition is a team effort and everyone needs to work as a unit. Disruption to the back five be it through the Fonte saga, Puels rotation or injuries will always have a detrimental effect on the defence as  unit. But the stats show he has to improve.

Despite the 44 goals Southampton have leaked and the poor save ratio Forster has in the league, he still sit’s pretty in 4th with 12 clean sheets in 33 games. So there must be more to this problem than preventing goals?

A common theme I see when reading fan opinions on Forster this season is his reluctance to command his area, to catch crosses and be decisive when his defence needs him most.

Something demonstrated in the dire 0-0 with Hull at the weekend. The ball was dropping from the air in the 6 yard box after a mini game of pin-ball. Only Jack Stephens and Forster occupied the 6 yard area and Forster stood dead still. Almost rooted to the floor as he allowed Stephens to head the ball to the edge of the area and back into danger.

Fraser should be commanding his defence and claiming the ball. Part of his job is to keep his defence aware and relieve pressure.

Is his position as Southampton No.1 under threat?

This season, no. Forster has very little competition for his place. Alex McCarthy has been out with a long term injury and is a steady backup, but good enough to be first choice for Southampton? That is up for debate.

Mouez Hassen has been brought in on loan from Nice as cover. Despite not playing a single minute for the first team is seemingly popular among Southampton supporters. Maybe more for his social media activity than knowledge of his goalkeeping ability.

Harry Lewis is only 19 and got some minutes in the early rounds of the cups. But is clearly not ready to be thrust into the first team of a Premier League club.

Replacements in the summer will also be hard to come by. Especially those that would be considered an upgrade on Forster. Joe Hart has been linked with a move to Southampton, wages may get in the way of a move but Forster is apparently earning a whopping 90k a week.

Sunderland’s Jordan Pickford is also a popular choice among Saints fans. A young English keeper who has proved his worth in a team that have been all but relegated since the season began. His stock is rising rapidly so a move for him would be met with some competition across the country.

Next: The pros and cons of bringing in Marco Silva

LEICESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 04: Jordan Pickford of Sunderland shows appreciation to the fans after the Premier League match between Leicester City and Sunderland at The King Power Stadium on April 4, 2017 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 04: Jordan Pickford of Sunderland shows appreciation to the fans after the Premier League match between Leicester City and Sunderland at The King Power Stadium on April 4, 2017 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) /

Stick or twist?

I am not, and never have been Forster’s biggest fan. I never will be.

My personal preference is that Southampton listen to any serious offers clubs may come in with. Everton have been previously linked with a move. If the right offer comes in and a Southampton find a viable replacement, I would be more than happy to entertain the idea of Forster leaving.

That being said, a bad season in a team that is clearly dysfunctional is so many ways does not necessarily mean we should sell and replace. Forster has, over the course of his Southampton career, been a reliable keeper. Representing England on occasion is a testimony to that.

As always, Southampton are to have an interesting summer. But come the beginning of the 17/18 season, will Fraser Forster still hold that No.1 spot?

Do you think Fosters position is under threat? We want to hear your opinions – let us know on Twitter @SaintsMarching