Emi Martinez verdict emerges after amazing development on Aston Villa star
Emi Martinez is undoubtedly the best goalkeeper in the Premier League and possesses a key gift for Aston Villa, according to Ian Darke.
The renowned TV commentator explained that Martinez possesses an “aura” of intimidation which dampens the confidence of attacking opponents which plays into the hands of Unai Emery’s side.
The World Cup winner has put in some match-winning contributions for the Villans in recent weeks, including vital late stops against Bayern Munich and more recently Manchester United.
“I’d say he’s the best in the Premier League – in the world, I would say arguably, as there could be someone in a league we don’t see much of who’s a miracle worker right now,” he exclusively told Villa News.
“Not just because of the saves he makes, but his general psychological aura which I think intimidates opponents. The amazing thing about Martinez is he spent all those years just to get to about 50 appearances at Arsenal, and then Mikel Arteta preferred Bernd Leno.
“I don’t know what went on behind the scenes there, but there’s a lesson there for any young player that things do turn if you keep working at it, and Villa now are benefitting from that having picked him up.”
Emi Martinez amazing at Aston Villa
Martinez’s terrific impact since arriving at Villa Park from Arsenal in 2020 has been lauded, with Bryan King this week touting the Argentine as “one of the best” in the Premier League.
He played 38 first-team games in total for Arsenal across a decade involved – just 15 in the league – and matched that total inside his first season with Villa.
The 32-year-old, who signed a new long-term contract earlier this campaign, is on course to smash the 200-appearance barrier before the season’s end. He has racked up 47 full caps for his nation, only making his international debut in 2021.
In other Aston Villa news, Lucas Digne has been backed to play more for France this season.
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