Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has given more insight into his World Cup build-up, as he spoke to journalist Christian Martin about several Paraguayan players he knows from the Premier League.
The interview adds to the strong attention he has drawn in Argentina as one of the national team’s leaders for 2026.
Martínez first assessed Paraguay’s recent form. He said: “Yes, tough. They finished the qualifiers very well. A very tough, very physical team. With the dry pitches in the United States and all that, for me they will do very well.”
He also praised manager Gustavo Alfaro’s work, adding: “They deserved it. They played the qualifiers very well. They beat us in Paraguay. We won at home, but it was hard.”
Premier League’s Paraguayans
The Villa keeper then reflected on facing several Paraguay internationals in England. He listed Miguel Almirón (ex-Newcastle), Julio Enciso (Strasbourg, part of Chelsea’s BlueCo Group), Diego Gómez (Brighton) and even Omar Alderete (Sunderland). He explained: “It’s good to see Paraguayans in the Premier League. It’s the best league in the world. If they do well here, Paraguay will always have good players.”
He also spoke about Enciso’s development and the group Paraguay will face. Martínez said: “He plays very well. He had injuries and now he left the Premier League, but he is young and gives a lot to Paraguay.”
World Cup challenges
On their group he added: “In a World Cup it’s tough for everyone. It’s hot, the pitches are dry, there are shows, many trips, injuries.”
Martínez’s remarks underline how closely he follows the South American rivals he may meet in the knockout rounds. They also show the confidence and clarity with which he approaches every subject as Aston Villa’s No. 1. What impact these views will have on Argentina’s World Cup preparation remains to be seen.
