Everything international media said about 'hero' Zion Suzuki, Aston Villa now in dreamland

Zion Suzuki was finally back on the pitch with Japan on Thursday.

Aston Villa fans were starting to worry as the goalkeeper had missed out on selection in the first two fixtures of the international break.

It's been a contrasting break for the Blue Samarai so far, who entertained Ecuador on 1 October.

Keeping a clean sheet, Suzuki impressed as Japan won a penalty shootout to progress to the Kirin Cup Soccer 2026 final.

Of course, the Villa star was the reason why, keeping out a penalty to secure a huge victory.

And all that does is bring back sweet memories of Emi Martinez.

Have we forgotten Emi Martinez?

Despite his success, Villa and Unai Emery have somehow managed to replace him in superb fashion.

Suzuki was a bit of an unknown before the World Cup, but sealed his move to Villa Park as Martinez moved to Chelsea.

The biggest compliment you can pay him, is that not many wish that the Argentine was back in their goal this season.

His superb start to the season continued on Thursday, with the Japanese media hailing their star.

Football Channel dubbed his penalty save as "spectacular", while Suzuki was more humble saying it was all about reading the direction.

This is what Japan have come to expect of their number one, with J3 Sports simply saying that the penalty stop was "expected".

How did Ecuador respond to Zion Suzuki?

You know you've played a huge role when even the opposition are singing your praises.

Telemundo Deportes called Suzuki a "hero" on X after the game, and it's a tag that he'll happily bring back to Villa Park with him.

It's no surprise to those back at Villa, though.

Suzuki has a save percentage of 75 per cent already, and no keeper has made fewer errors than him in the Premier League, via Fotmob.

When you consider his seven sweeping actions too, highest in the league again, alongside his penalty saves and basics, he is the complete package.

Martinez was superb, and like Suzuki on Thursday, was a penalty-saving specialist, but he left you nervous.

The new Villa number one doesn't do that, and that is testament to his game, and how Emery has helped him settle.

Villa are in dreamland with Suzuki, long may this continue.