Emi Martinez, Aston Villa goalkeeper. Credit: TNT Sports
Emi Martinez, Aston Villa goalkeeper. Credit: TNT Sports
Match

Chris Sutton hits back as 'Nonsense' Emi Martinez claim emerges at Aston Villa

Harri Burton
Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Chris Sutton has hit back after suggestions that Aston Villa star Emi Martinez being dubbed the best goalkeeper in the world were "absolute nonsense".

The Argentine has been the mainstay goalkeeper for the Villans over the last four seasons, and while he only has one Premier League clean sheet to his name, he is still one of the most talented shot-stoppers in the division.

He also has a World Cup title to his name, lifting the trophy with Lionel Messi as Argentina beat France in the final of the Qatar tournament in 2022.

Speaking via the It's All Kicking Off podcast [24 October], journalist Mike Keegan said: "Will you stop banging on about Emi Martinez being the best goalkeeper in the world?

"It's just nonsense, absolute nonsense. There's a great quote from a Liverpool fan, 'I deal in facts and absolutes', and Alisson Becker is the best goalkeeper in the world."

Sutton simply responded: "How many World Cups has he won?"

Is Aston Villa star Emi Martinez the best goalkeeper in the world?

There is certainly an argument to be made for Martinez being the best overall shot-stopper in the Premier League, even with Alisson, Ederson and David Raya in the division.

He has undoubtedly played an important role in Villa qualifying for the Champions League, saving Unai Emery's side on several occasions, but he is up against a lot of competition to be branded as "the best goalkeeper in the world".

Of course, it took a while for Martinez to find his feet in England, going out on loan to several clubs including Reading and Wolves during his time at Arsenal, before settling at Villa Park.

Emi Martinez
Aston Villa stopper Emi Martinez [Credit: CONMEBOL on YouTube]

Fans will not be bothered by how high others regard their goalkeeper. He has been known to split opinions with some of his actions, but over the years, he has become a favourite figure in the Midlands.

With almost 200 appearances for Villa since 2020, the Argentine is a legendary player in the Premier League and will leave a legacy either way.

In other Aston Villa news, Ferran Torres' stance on a Barcelona exit emerges as Villa eye a January transfer.

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Aston Villa
Emi Martinez
Chris Sutton
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