Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has seen his on-pitch behaviour openly questioned by an upcoming international rival, with Uruguay international Sergio Rochet offering a candid assessment of the Argentine’s attitude.
Speaking to El Espectador Deportes in Uruguay, Rochet – currently playing for Inter de Porto Alegre and part of Uruguay’s national team setup – made it clear that, while he recognises Martínez’s quality, he does not identify with the Aston Villa player’s provocative style, particularly during penalty shoot-outs.
Asked about Martínez’s tendency to dance, taunt opponents and embrace mind games from the goal, Rochet did not hesitate. “Personally, I don’t like his way of being like that. As a goalkeeper, honestly, he’s a phenomenon. A very good goalkeeper,” he said. However, the praise stopped there.
The Uruguayan went on to explain that Martínez’s attitude does not fully convince him. “It doesn’t quite sit right with me because of the attitudes he has. Everyone has their own personality. I don’t like it, I’m more low-profile. It worked for him and that’s fine, if he feels comfortable like that,” Rochet added.
Snipe at Aston Villa player rooted in country rivalry
Rochet also framed his criticism within a broader cultural context. According to him, Martínez’s provocative approach clashes with what he sees as the traditional identity of Uruguayan footballers. “Those things don’t appeal to me, I don’t like arrogance. I try, as a person, to be like that, and to advise teammates when I can, to keep that profile, because that’s our profile as Uruguayans,” he explained.
Martínez, a World Cup winner with Argentina and a key figure for Aston Villa in the Premier League, has built a reputation for psychological warfare, especially in high-pressure moments.
Still, Rochet’s comments underline how divisive that style remains among fellow goalkeepers, even those who fully acknowledge its effectiveness.
