Southampton goalkeeper Willy Caballero has rejected criticism of senior No1 Gavin Bazunu.

The 41 year old has been acting as a mentor to the young Republic of Ireland international during his first Premier League campaign.

Bazunu, 21, ranks at the bottom for most key metrics across goalkeepers in the division but has the security of a contract until 2027 at St Mary's.

“Gavin is a really polite person and loves to ask questions about scenarios in games and goals he's conceded," Caballero told the Athletic.

“He's 100 per cent into it. We always have conversations about his performance. He loves to receive criticism and feedback.

“It's his first season in the Premier League. I believe goalkeepers can't show their potential in their first season — it goes in the same direction as the team's performance."

He added: “Maybe that's why we are not in the right balance. For instance, to help with the pressure (on Bazunu), we cannot give easy free kicks away. So the players on the pitch can help each other when they are going through scrutiny."