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Argentinian goalkeeper Paolo Gazzaniga impresses manager Andy Hessenthaler during trial period at Gillingham

Andy Hessenthaler
Andy Hessenthaler

By Luke Cawdell

Argentinian keeper Paolo Gazzaniga is proving that actions speak louder than words at Gillingham.

The 19-year-old has been on trial with the Gills for several weeks and although he can’t speak a word of English he is forcing his way into manager Andy Hessenthaler’s plans.

Gazzaniga was with Valencia’s youth team in Spain last season and La Liga outfit Malaga are understood to be keen to sign the teenager, while several English Premier League clubs are keeping tabs on him.

Gary Penrice, the former Aston Villa, Watford and QPR forward, recommended him to the Gills and he has impressed so far.

"He doesn’t speak any English and that’s our concern but the kid is an interesting one," said Hessenthaler (pictured).

"I’m not sure about him yet because he is 19 and hasn’t played many games but we have been given an opportunity to have a look at him."

THe Gills boss added:"He has all the attributes to be a very good keeper. I think the real test will be when he goes up against some of the bigger teams who we are playing in the next few weeks."

If Gazzaniga was made an offer, Hessenthaler admits he may still need someone to compete with Ross Flitney for the number one shirt, as the Argentinian is still raw and untested.

Is Paolo Gazzaniga worth a punt?

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