Gavin Bazunu praised Dale’s defensive unit after keeping a clean sheet in Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Portsmouth.
The goalkeeper, on-loan from Manchester City, made a number of fine stops in the game, but was quick to praise the Dale defence.
“It was really good and I’m really happy with the clean sheet,” said the 18-year-old.
“I thought we played really well in the first-half and really dominated the game. In the second-half, towards the end we had a few injuries, but I thought we did really well as a team to stay in it. It was disappointing we didn’t get all three points but I felt we did really well and we just have to kick on from this.
“Towards the end, with the injuries we were picking up and some tired legs, we had to stick in there as a team and a defensive unit. They were putting a lot of pressure on us, mostly from crosses in wide areas, but we did really between myself, the back four, the midfield and the whole team really. We did well to keep it tight.”
The experience of Jim McNulty, Paul McShane and Eoghan O’Connell in front of Bazunu is a huge plus, says the Republic Of Ireland Under-21 international.
“It makes it so much easier. With the size of them, they’re big lads, but also the experience they have and their positioning means they just know where to be. It makes it easier for me to pick and choose my moments when to come for crosses, but overall defensively the lads were really good today.”
Bazunu has been with the Club for almost a month now, after joining on a season-long loan, and he says he has settled in well.
“I’ve really enjoyed it. The first time I came, I went out to look at the pitch, and it looked good. I’ve enjoyed both games, I think I’ve done really well in them both. It’s starting to feel like home.
“I’m definitely settling in well. From the first day, the lads were brilliant with me. The Irish lads help! But all the other lads have been brilliant with me and it feels like a really tight-knit group.”
The stopper was also called up to a Republic Of Ireland Under-21 training camp at the end of August, something he says is always a valuable experience.
“I was away for a couple of days for a training camp. It’s always good to meet up with those lads as well and get a different perspective in terms of how they want us to play. Just to play at that level is really good and enjoyable. Being here is great as well to get the games and experience which is what I’m looking for.”
The interview with Bazunu is available to watch for free on iFollow HERE.