Does Fraser Forster deserve a new Southampton contract?

Southampton announced Fraser Forster’s contract extension last night, keeping him at the club until 2022 – but does the Englishman truly warrant a new deal?

It was an unusual 2016/17 season under Claude Puel for Fraser Forster, as he struggled to reach the heights of his record breaking 2015/16 campaign.

That’s not to say it was a necessarily bad season from the 29-year-old, but Saints fans know he is capable of much, much better.

Forster still managed 14 league clean sheets, and played a big part in the EFL Cup run, particularly in ‘that’ second leg at Anfield. So just why are Saints fans unhappy about the news?

It is important not to forget that Forster had only just signed a new deal as recently as May 2016, which left him on a lucrative sum of £65,000 a week – leaving him as one of the highest paid players at the club.

Next: Southampton sign Fraser Forster to new five-year deal

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 25: Fraser Forster of Southampton clears the ball during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge on April 25, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

To see the England international then receive a new deal just over a year later, with players like Maya Yoshida still yet to be rewarded for his efforts, is a little frustrating. Undoubtably this new deal means more money for Forster, which many feel he hasn’t earned.

There is no question of the goalkeeper’s talent, and so often we have seen him keep the Saints in games: take Arsenal away in February 2016 as an example.

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However, Forster’s inconsistencies got the better of him last season, and he was almost conceding a goal every other shot he faced.

The lack of competition for Forster is worrying, especially for a team like Southampton who want to break into the top six once again, and perhaps this is why his form is susceptible to dips from time to time.

Criticism of Forster though is sometimes harsh, and it is easy to forget this is a ‘keeper who has played for his country six times, and is well respected among his other Premier League counterparts.

The new contract suggests he will be Mauricio Pellegrino’s number one next season, but Southampton should seriously consider purchasing a talented number two.

Forster will still make mistakes for Southampton, but so will Simon Mignolet for Liverpool and Joe Hart for West Ham. They are only human.

Ultimately, Saints fans have to realise, Forster will save more points for them, than he will cost them.