Aston Villa director of football Monchi has hailed goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, insisting he is more than just a man between the sticks for the.
Monchi has today been appearing at a Sports Summit being hosted by Argentine newspaper Olé, meaning a conversation about Martínez was inevitable.
He is currently one of the shining lights and heroes of Argentinian football after a busy few years that have seen him establish himself as the best goalkeeper in world football.
He is the undisputed number one for them and Aston Villa and has rewarded this faith, particularly on the international stage, where he’s been a key element in winning the World Cup and two Copa America trophies.
There has also been recognition on a personal level, with Martínez named the Yashin Trophy winner for the second time running at the Ballon D’Or ceremony this year and the Best FIFA Men’s Trophy winner in 2022.
He’s also a hero at Aston Villa, where he has been the undisputed star of the show since joining in a €17.4m deal from Arsenal in September 2020.
They’re very aware of how important he has been in the last few years and Monchi admits that importance transcends what he does on the pitch.
“He is an important part of the Aston Villa brand, it shows the growth of this club,” he said.
“Having the best goalkeeper in the world, totally loyal and involved with the day-to-day running of the club. Emi is more than our goalkeeper, he is a reference in the dressing room, the club, for our fans, within the Premier League…
“He is one of the pillars on which we want to continue growing, he represents what we want to transmit to society, to compete to the maximum for everything that is presented to us.”
“He is a reference, one of the team captains and an example. In recent years he won the world championship, the Copa America, became the best goalkeeper in the world and continues with the daily motivation of wanting to be the best individually and as a team member.
“He is a perfect mirror, he did not rest on his laurels, he wants to improve day by day and push the team to grow. He is an easy person to deal with, approachable, who provides solutions within a discussion.”
