Aston Villa keeper Emi Martinez plays key part for Argentina in Copa America opener
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez kept a clean sheet in a 2-0 win for Argentina in their Copa America opener against Canada in the early hours of Friday morning.
‘Dibu’ started and featured across the full 90 minutes in the opening match in Group A of the tournament in the USA.
Argentina went 1-0 up through Julian Alvarez just minutes after half-time as he passed the ball into an empty net after Alexis Mac Alister beat the goalkeeper to the ball.
Lautaro Martinez helped to secure all three points after he rolled home after being sent through on goal by Lionel Messi with just two minutes remaining.
Aston Villa star Emi Martinez shines for Argentina v Canada
The game could have been so much different as the Villa star made a world-class, point-blank save just minutes before half-time to keep it goalless.
Coming off the back of a season where he kept eight Premier League clean sheets [FotMob], he is certainly deserving of keeping his starting role for his national side.
Martinez always plays well for his country and the opening game of this season’s Copa America was no different. This is why he is desperate to play in the Olympics this summer.
The World Cup champions were always bound to have more possession than Canada due to the difference in quality of the sides.
This saw them keep 64 per cent possession, which they turned into 19 shots throughout the 90 minutes, according to FotMob.
This saw Martinez get a fair share of the ball at his feet as he had 47 touches while keeping an 88 per cent pass accuracy throughout [FotMob].
He came so close to grabbing an assist after his one high claim, as he played Messi in behind with a quick kick and the Inter Miami superstar sp nearly scored.
His two saves were top drawer – the first coming from close range and the second coming from a deflected effort which he had to react to.
His eight recoveries summed up his performance as a calm head behind the Argentine defence, which helped them keep a welcome clean sheet to begin their title defence.
It was a perfect start for the Villa star, who is shining on the international stage once again at a major tournament.
In other Aston Villa news, Unai Emery has been forced into an unusual transfer to comply with Premier League PSR concerns.
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.