Emiliano Martinez has been making the headlines recently after a Man of the Match performance in Aston Villa’s 0-0 draw with Brighton, and Ray Parlour was the latest to hail the 28-year-old.
He believes that Arsenal could regret selling Martinez to Villa and said that the goalkeeper seems “an absolute snip” at £20m. Parlour, a former Gunners player himself, said on talkSPORT Drive:
I think he has been an absolutely brilliant signing for Aston Villa.
When they played Brighton the other night, he was sensational (making) three or four world-class saves to keep them in the game. (Before leaving) Arsenal, he had that brilliant end to the season (and) played in the FA Cup final. Then (he) got a move to Aston Villa because he wanted to be number one.
I don’t think any Aston Villa fan would think he’s done this well because he has been an absolute snip for £20 million. You talk about strikers winning you games, but goalkeepers are so important if you want to be successful. He’s getting better and better – he has everything.
Martinez made the switch from Arsenal in September and has gone on to make 23 appearances in all competitions, conceding 25 goals and keeping 12 clean sheets (Transfermarkt).
The 28-year-old has saved 79% of the 105 shots on target he has faced (FB Ref) and has helped Villa boast the second-best defensive record in the Premier League (SoccerStats).
READ ASTON VILLA VERDICT
Martinez has made an instant impact at Villa Park and has been tipped to return to a top-four club, so his stock couldn’t be higher right now. The talented shot-stopper still has three-and-a-half years remaining on his contract, too, so Villa need not worry about losing him just yet.
A few eyebrows may have been raised when Villa agreed a deal worth £20m with Arsenal given how Martinez never nailed down a regular starting place for long in north London, but he has done his talking on the pitch and may even be a contender for signing of the season, so Parlour is quite right to hail his impact.
