Colombian goalkeeping legend René Higuita has admitted he is a huge fan of Aston Villa star Emiliano Martínez.
El Pais cover comments from the Colombian icon, made before the Aston Villa goalkeeper took on Colombia with Argentina last night.
Martínez has been establishing himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world in recent years, rising quickly after being in obscurity for years at Arsenal.
While he boasts a solid record in the Premier League, where he is undoubtedly among the best keepers in the league and a star for Aston Villa, it is his record with Argentina that has really helped his stock to rise.
He was first a key player in the Copa America success in 2021 before then playing a crucial role as Argentina secure Lionel Messi the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.
He then followed that up with another impressive showing at the Copa America this summer as Argentina held on to the trophy.
Those successes, plus an impressive international record that stands at 34 clean sheets and just 19 goals conceded in 47 games have made him a world star, further evidenced by the fact the Aston Villa man was handed the Yashin Trophy last season by the Ballon D’or.
He has numerous fans across the world, and it seems Higuita is one of them, even if Argentina and Colombia remain fierce rivals.
“Every day I fall more in love with Dibu Martínez,” he said.
“There he is, world and Copa América champion, fundamental in the triumphs of the Argentine National Team. He is in the big leagues. Today (he) is the best goalkeeper in the world.”
