Alan Hutton: ‘Huge’ Emiliano Martinez is key to Aston Villa future
We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park…
There has been talk of Emiliano Martinez attracting interest from abroad but Alan Hutton does not want to see him leave Aston Villa.
The Daily Mirror reported on 25 September that Spanish giants Atletico Madrid were interested in signing the Argentina international as a potential replacement for Jan Oblak at the Wanda Metropolitano.
The Slovenian is out of contract with the La Liga side this summer and Diego Simeone, an Argentine himself, may use the lure of Champions League football to bring Martinez to Madrid.
Hutton, a former Aston Villa right-back, is understandably not keen on seeing such an influential member of Steven Gerrard’s squad leave Villa Park right now.
“Not right now,” Hutton said to Villa News when asked if they can afford to lose the Argentine. “You can see how well he organises the back four at times as he’s constantly talking.
“He’s made some big saves, huge saves at big moments and I know he has made mistakes in the past but all goalkeepers do that, it just gets highlighted because he’s a goalkeeper.
“He’s a huge part of what they are doing going forward and I think if they want to progress and move forward like they are then you have to have a stable defence.
“I’d hate to see him leave so hopefully he doesn’t get his head turned.”
Martinez would remain as Gerrard’s number one choice between the sticks despite Atletico Madrid’s reported interest with Robin Olsen signed as his backup in the summer after a successful loan spell last season.
In other Aston Villa news, the Villans could not confirm a section of their outgoing payments to the BBC after the British broadcasters asked each Premier League club.