'On that list' - Peter Crouch brands Villa's 'pantomime villain' Emiliano Martínez as one of the game's best goalkeepers
Published 06/11/2024 at 19:09 GMT
Former Aston Villa pair Peter Crouch and Alan Hutton believe Emi Martinez was the rightful winner of the 2024 Yashin Trophy. The Argentina international was named as the world's best goalkeeper for the second year in a row. Speaking on TNT Sports ahead of Villa's UEFA Champions League clash with Club Brugge, Hutton said Martinez "has to be in the conversation."
Crouch: Best in the world Martinez ‘instrumental’ in helping Villa take ‘giant steps’
Video credit: TNT Sports
TNT Sports pundit Peter Crouch believes Emi Martinez is amongst the world's best goalkeepers.
The Aston Villa stopper has won the Yashin Trophy for the second year in a row, beating the likes of Athletic Club's Unai Simon and Andriy Lunin of Real Madrid to the award.
It comes off the back of another excellent year for his club, during which Villa qualified for the UEFA Champions League for the first time.
He also helped Argentina win the Copa America, keeping a clean sheet as they beat Colombia 1-0 in the final.
Speaking on TNT Sports ahead of Villa's European clash with Club Brugge, Crouch said: "As much as he’s the pantomime villain at times, you look at some of his saves and they’re top class.
"He’s a huge personality. I always liked playing with goalkeepers who had a big personality, someone who was commanding in the box.
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"He’s more than just a goalkeeper that makes saves, he’s a personality and I think that’s great to have in your squad, let alone your back four."
Martinez joined Villa from Arsenal in 2020 for a reported £20 million fee.
He had only made 33 appearances across all competitions over an eight-year period with the Gunners.
The move to the Villans has paid dividends though. He quickly cemented himself as their No. 1 goalkeeper following his move from Arsenal.
When asked if Martinez was the best goalkeeper on the planet, Crouch replied: "Yeah, on that list, on the evidence that I’ve seen and certainly in the last two years.
"He’s been there at World Cups and certainly at Villa. They’re not challenging for the league title, but they’ve done just as well in the bracket they’re in.
"They’re in the Champions League. For Aston Villa, that’s a huge turnaround.
"So he’s been there for two years and from, let’s be honest, the bottom half of the Premier League, they’ve taken giant steps and he’s been instrumental in all of those steps."
'It's quite remarkable'
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Emery reflects on two years at Villa, increased demands and the pursuit of silverware
Video credit: TNT Sports
Martinez has not just enjoyed success in club football.
He was also in goal as Argentina won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, beating France on penalties in the final.
Former Villa defender Alan Hutton added: "I think he has to be in the conversation with the trophies that he’s won, the steps that he’s taken in a short period of time.
"When you think where he was earlier on in his career to where he is now, it’s quite remarkable.
"And for a team like Aston Villa, who at times play a high line, to have somebody with that confidence behind you that you know you can rely on, that can make save after save, it’s excellent for you moving forward and feeling confident.
"There’ll be times when he’ll be needed but he’s always there to be counted. And I just love the banter that he has sometimes on the pitch."
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