Bournemouth's Alex Paulsen Produces Commanding Display In New Zealand Win

For Bournemouth goalkeeper Alex Paulsen, every international appearance represents another opportunity to demonstrate just how quickly he is developing. The young New Zealand international took that opportunity once again as he kept a clean sheet in the All Whites’ impressive 3-0 victory over China. Paulsen was composed throughout, providing a reassuring presence behind a New Zealand side that produced a commanding performance to secure the win. While the headlines naturally centred on the three goals at the other end, Paulsen’s contribution should not be overlooked, with another composed showing adding to his growing experience at international level. For Bournemouth, his continued development can only be encouraging, particularly with the goalkeeper gaining valuable minutes and handling the demands of senior international football, as well as during his current loan spell with Motherwell. With each appearance, Paulsen is building confidence and showing that he has the potential to become an increasingly important figure for both club and country going forward.

A comfortable win for New Zealand in the end with the All Whites controlling proceedings from the off. Nottingham Forest youngster Tyler Bindon opened the scoring inside the opening five minutes, before Ben Waine doubled the All Whites’ advantage midway through the first half. Owen Parker-Price then completed the scoring late on, reacting quickest to a rebound after Moses Dyer’s effort had been saved.

The result provided the response New Zealand head coach Darren Bazeley had been looking for following last week’s 2-2 draw with Palestine. Having twice surrendered the lead in that match, the All Whites were far more controlled against China and rarely looked troubled.

Bindon’s early strike set the tone, with New Zealand continuing to attack with purpose. Waine then capped an excellent team move involving Eli Just, Callum McCowatt and Ben Old to make it 2-0 before the break. The All Whites continued to dominate after half-time and eventually added a third in the 82nd minute. Parker-Price reacted quickest following a save from Dyer’s shot to score his first international goal.

The victory ends New Zealand’s six month wait for a win and, importantly, sees them keep their first clean sheet since June 2025 with Alex Paulsen between the sticks.

The young New Zealand and Cherries stopper is currently playing for Motherwell on loan in the Scottish Premiership

His journey began in youth futsal before progressing through Eastern Suburbs and Onehunga Sports, eventually earning his breakthrough with Wellington Phoenix, where his performances saw him named A-League Goalkeeper of the Year among other honours.

Since then, Paulsen has gained further experience through loan spells with Auckland FC, helping them secure the title, as well as Lechia Gdańsk in Poland and now Motherwell. At international level, he has represented New Zealand at the Olympics, helped the All Whites win the 2024 OFC Nations Cup and was included in the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

It feels like a particular important season ahead for Alex, to not only establish himself as the New Zealand number one keeper, but to also prove himself in Scotland. An impressive season at Motherwell could well be the moment that allows him to return to Bournemouth, and stake a claim to finally be within the first team squad.