Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez does it all for Argentina in latest win
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez offers more than just shot-stopping between the sticks for Argentina.
In La Albiceleste’s penultimate Copa America warm-up friendly game – a 1-0 victory over Ecuador in Chicago – the Villa star did not face a single shot or have to make a single save.
However, his distribution from deep helped Argentina control the game, and that demand will continue to be placed on him at both club and international level.
How good is Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez with his feet?
Against Ecuador, Argentina were far from their scintillating best – but they did control the game well with and without the ball, reducing their opponents to just five shots, with none testing Martinez between the sticks [FotMob].
As a team, Lionel Scaloni’s men recorded 65 per cent possession, completing 567 of their 632 passes.
And Martinez certainly played his part in deep build-up, recording an 80 per cent passing accuracy after completing 36 of his 45 passes. All nine of his misplaced passes were sent long, with five finding their intended target for a long ball accuracy of 36 per cent.
That consistency in his short passing game, coupled with the vision and ability to pick out longer, more direct balls when the opportunity presents itself, makes Martinez a crucial component of both his club and international sides – even beyond his excellent shot-stopping.
While he did not get to show that skill off against Ecuador, Martinez’s 4.42 goals prevented total from the 2023/24 Premier League campaign for Villa is evidence of his significant quality in that regard – making him a well-rounded goalkeeper who can help Argentina win more international honours this summer.
In other Aston Villa news, Unai Emery must make this John McGinn change after what he has done.
For more Aston Villa news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.