‘Thank you to Arsenal’ – Emi Martinez gets world’s best billing as Aston Villa legend explains why enigmatic Argentina international is No.1 on list of ‘top three goalkeepers’

The enigmatic South American severed ties with the Gunners in 2020 after being restricted to just 38 appearances across nine years in north London. He did win the FA Cup and Community Shield while at Emirates Stadium, but often found his path to regular first-team football blocked.

Villa were happy to give him a chance, and the 32-year-old is now a World Cup and Copa America winner that is turning out in the Champions League at club level. Some of Martinez’s antics may be called into question at times, but a standing has been taken up at the very top of the global game.

Iconic former Villa keeper Spink considers Martinez to be the best in the business, telling Betano: “Emi Martinez is certainly in the top three best goalkeepers in the world, and I’d have him first. He’s got every attribute. He’s got that spark in his character but he’s also so calm and composed. When you look at him, he must be such an imposing figure for strikers. He’s a great shot-stopper, he claims crosses, and his distribution is excellent. Thank you to Arsenal for letting him go!

“His experience will be huge for Villa in the Champions League. If he’s as much of a leader off the pitch as he is on it, then he’ll be keeping a calm head and talking to the other players about his experiences. Having that experience helps you and the team to be successful, and he’s got all the attributes to do that. I’m sure he’ll be there offering his advice to any player that needs it.”

Villa made a winning start to their 2024-25 Champions League campaign when picking up a 3-0 victory against Young Boys in Switzerland. They will be returning to that elite European stage on October 2 when welcoming Harry Kane and Bayern Munich to Villa Park.