Emi Martinez beats Alisson Becker to Premier League number one title
Emi Martinez has already won a number one Premier League title this season after another impressive campaign with Aston Villa.
The goalkeeper has kept his standards high after picking up the FIFA best men’s goalkeeper award last year as well as a place in the FIFA best XI.
This season, Martinez has kept nine clean sheets across all competitions as Villa continue to battle in the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
Martinez awarded for Aston Villa antics
Although they have struggled for consistency at some points in the season, Unai Emery’s side have kept their standards high throughout the season so far juggling an increased number of games.
Emery’s transformation of Villa has been impressive and now his side are competing at the top levels, the aim is to retain a position as a top team.
The Villans have the opportunity to finish in the European places again this season as they currently sit three points away from fifth place.
Meanwhile, having progressed to the quarter-finals of both the Champions League and FA Cup, there is an excellent opportunity for the West Midlands outfit to win something this season.
Martinez has already earned himself plaudits this season as when asked to rank the toughest goalkeeper in a one-on-one challenge, Dominic Solanke told Sky Sports Premier League (21 March): “Number one is tough between Alisson and Martinez. I’d probably say Martinez number one.
“I think just the fact that he makes some crazy saves. A few times I’ve played against him and I’ve thought I’ve scored like the ball’s come in from a cross and he’s just made the craziest save and it’s like damn.
“So he’s made some crazy saves, not just against me but just in his time as well so he’s a great keeper.”
Martinez to keep standards high with Aston Villa
For most, the battle for the best goalkeeper in the Premier League is likely to be between Martinez and Alisson Becker.
| Player | Appearances | Clean Sheets |
| Emi Martinez | 184 | 54 |
| Alisson Becker | 222 | 94 |
The fact that Solanke has chosen Martinez does serve as a reminder of where Villa are at under Emery and the strength they have throughout their squad.
The goalkeeper will no doubt be pleased to hear the praise he has received but he won’t be getting too carried away until he can get his hands on a trophy in an Aston Villa shirt.
Upon a return from the international break, Villa are straight back into action with their FA Cup game against Preston North End with an excellent chance to progress.
Within weeks, attention will then turn to another two Champions League ties against the tough opponent of PSG who knocked Liverpool out in the last round.
If Martinez is truly going to mark himself as being the better goalkeeper, putting in a top display against PSG could well mark it.
The final and most crucial weeks of the season are soon to be upon us and Martinez will be eager to keep his standards high knowing he is a key part of the squad.