Aston Villa ‘phenomenon’ Emi Martinez now the best in the world after what he did for Argentina
Dan Bardell believes that Aston Villa star Emi Martinez is the best goalkeeper in the world after his penalty heroics for Argentina in the Copa America quarter-finals.
‘Dibu’ has been on characteristic top form for La Albiceleste in the summer tournament and that continued in a dramatic last-eight clash against Ecuador on Thursday.
The game finished 1-1 thanks a dramatic last-gasp Ecuador leveller from Kevin Rodriguez and went to penalties where the Villa number one was able to shine once again.
Martinez saved the first two penalties, helping Argentina through to the quarter-finals after Lionel Messi missed the opening spot kick for Argentina.
After yet another positive showing in a shootout, Sky Sports and talkSPORT journalist has heaped praise on the 31-year-old.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bardell said: “He is an absolute phenomenon.
“At the moment, he is probably the best goalkeeper ever at facing penalty shootouts, he just doesn’t seem to lose them.
“He gets into opponents’ heads and makes good saves. He’s got the mindset to handle that pressure and put it on the penalty taker.
“With everything he’s won, there is no doubt that Emi Martinez is the best goalkeeper in the world and I’m so glad that he’s the Villa keeper.
“He will do anything to win but as soon as it is over he is an understanding guy with a touch of class, to go over and console the opposition keeper.“
Aston Villa star Emi Martinez shines for Argentina
The Villans have one of the best goalkeepers in the world and he just so happens to be amazing at saving penalties and rattling opposition fans.
Martinez had Lille fans on strings in the Europa Conference League clash while also being heckled by Chile fans in a 1-0 win.
Despite Messi missing the opening penalty with a panenka attempt, the Villa star was able to bail him out with back-to-back top-class saves.
The Argentine just doesn’t get phased from 12 yards and if anything carries his own advantage that affects the opposition.
With Villa hoping to go deep into cup competitions under Unai Emery next season, penalties may become more regular.
Having Martinez in between the sticks for those games will hand Villa the best possible chance to strive towards winning a trophy.
The 31-year-old has a great show now at winning another international trophy with Argentina as they prepare to face Canada in the semi-finals of the Copa America.
In other Aston Villa news, Alisha Lehmann spotted in Turin ahead of Juventus medical.
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