Emi Martinez is ‘Immortal’ after what he did away from Aston Villa
Dan Bardell has praised Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez after he impressed for Argentina at the Copa America against Chile.
The 31-year-old has kept two clean sheets in the opening two matches of the tournament with some key saves made in both.
A moment which caught the eye saw him taunt Chile supporters after Lautaro Martinez scored an 88th-minute winner on Wednesday (26 June).
Sky Sports and talkSPORT journalist has opened up about the Villa star and his antics while on international duty.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bardell said: “He is a player who is on top of his game on the pitch and rattling fans off it.
“I’ve never seen anything like it from a goalkeeper. The way he can intimidate and get into the minds of other players and fans is incredible and I will never get tired of seeing it.
“He is an absolute winner who continues to progress Argentina and Aston Villa with his performances.
“The clip of him with the Chile fans just shows his character but what a goalkeeper he is and I have no doubt he will come home with a Copa America medal. He’s almost immortal for club and country now.“
Aston Villa star Emi Martinez shines for Argentina
The Villa number one was a large factor in Argentina winning the Copa America back in 2021 with some penalty heroics.
He followed this up two years later with a World Cup medal which was once again won, in part, down to his influence in a penalty shootout.
With six points out of a possible six in this year’s edition of the continental tournament, La Albiceleste are through to the next stage before their clash against Peru.
With the form that Martinez has shown across the opening fixtures, there is a chance that his side go on to maintain their title.
He is in the form of his life having just qualified for the Champions League with Villa before jetting off to play with Lionel Messi.
There is a chance that he goes on to play in the Olympics but this would see him miss pre-season which may put a halt on that dream.
He is already a cult hero at Villa Park and a legend in Argentina and things only look like getting better.
In other Aston Villa news, Enzo Barrenechea pre-season admission made as deal edges closer to completion.
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