Unai Emery must be over the moon with Emiliano Martinez, Aston Villa ace leads way in key Premier League statistic
Aston Villa have enjoyed a rapid rise under Unai Emery, but it could get even better when they take on Sheffield United.
The Midlands club have the chance to go top of the Premier League table in their clash with the Blades on Friday (22 December).
With Arsenal meeting Liverpool on Saturday (23 December), it may only be for a brief moment, but it represents just how far Villa have come.
And one player that is really shining under the talented manager is Emiliano Martinez. The goalkeeper has made 48 saves from his 16 league appearances, as well as making 19 high claims [official Premier League website].
But he is particularly shining in two specific areas, with Martinez firstly leading the way when it comes to goalkeeper sweepings in the current top flight campaign.
As per Sky Sports (22 December), Martinez has successfully swept up behind his defence more times than any other shot-stopper (20). Tottenham number one Guglielmo Vicario follows him with 19.
The Aston Villa star also sits top of the pile among the top six goalkeepers for the length of time spent in possession of the ball with each touch.
The Argentine averages over four seconds on the ball per touch, with Sky Sports (22 December) noting that it is “normal to see him stand motionless, inviting players to press.”
Arsenal’s David Raya has a figure of 3.11 seconds, with Manchester City’s Ederson and Liverpool’s Alisson averaging 2.84 and 2.53 respectively.
Newcastle United number one Nick Pope meanwhile averages 2.43 seconds on the ball per touch, with Vicario on 2.29.
It is exactly how Emery has instructed his goalkeeper to play this season, with the manager telling Sky Sports (22 December): “The idea is to control the game with our positioning.
“If they are not pressing the goalkeeper then he can drive but we are not in a hurry to pass. Maybe we can fix one opposition player if they are coming towards him to press him. It is for this reason.
“Of course, if we are winning and the opposition are not coming to press, fine. A lot of teams decide not to press the goalkeeper. If you are playing against Alisson, David Raya or Ederson, you are taking a risk going to press him because they can build up very well.”
Emery has every reason to be delighted with his number one at Villa Park, with Martinez undoubtedly a key factor behind the club’s success this season.
In other Aston Villa news, an 86% Villa Park ace has given Emery a headache after what happened in the 2-1 win against Brentford.