The most recent Aston Villa news as Garth Crooks discusses goalkeeper Emi Martinez after the Premier League victory over Southampton
The Aston Villa goalkeeper has been “inspired” to reach new heights by Unai Emery’s decision to give him the captain’s armband, but there has been a caution issued regarding a recent shift in the player’s style of play.
The Argentine earned his first clean sheet since returning from his World Cup victory in Qatar, making five stops in the weekend’s 1-0 victory over Southampton. He was named to Garth Crooks’ team of the week for that effort.
Following Martinez’s theatrics during and after the final, Fifa began disciplinary proceedings, charging Argentina for possible player and official misconduct, provocative behavior, and infringement of fair play principles. Though Crooks, a former West Brom and Tottenham striker, feels the captaincy has made the Villa number one even more self-assured than before, it doesn’t appear to have altered his play on the field.
In his weekly BBC column, Crooks stated, “I find myself compelled to select Emiliano Martinez as my number one keeper for the second consecutive week.” The international player for Argentina has been performing at his best since coming back from a triumphant World Cup. He made sure Villa earned three more points at Southampton and performed brilliantly against Leeds.
Additionally, Martinez is now Unai Emery’s captain, as I note. It seems like the World Cup winner’s manager gave him greater responsibilities, which has increased his confidence even more.”
Martinez is playing better with the ball, the commentator added, which might result in the same kind of high-profile errors that other Premier League keepers have made this season.
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