To say that Lionel Messi was not the star of the show, perhaps on any occasion, would be met with a certain sense of incredulity from any peering bystanders, but Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez is one player who can arguably perch alongside the coveted magician when discussing the importance to Argentina’s recent endeavours.
The 30-year-old goalkeeper has played a role of paramount importance for his country across the past two years, really breaking from his cocoon and soaring to new heights since his move to Aston Villa from Arsenal for £17m in 2020.
Having been a vital cog in the machine during the 2020 Copa America, recording an average rating of 7.33 and saving 86% of his shots faced, he proved his might as an iron wall for his nation as they won their first major honour since the 1992/93 Copa America, with a narrow 1-0 victory over Brazil.
He even earned stellar praise from Messi himself, with the 35-year-old seven-time Ballon d’Or winner saying he is “one of the best goalkeepers in the world” and was “fundamental” to the success of the team.
La Albiceleste have continued that excellent form into the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, rebounding from a shattering 2-1 upset at the hands of Saudi Arabia in the group opener to advance to the latter stage.
And now with a tantalising World Cup finale against current holders France awaiting, Argentina and Martinez will need to continue the sturdy defence and slick collective understanding that has taken them to this point, sprinkled – of course – with Messi magic.
Keeping three clean sheets across the six fixtures, conceding just five goals on the world’s biggest stage, Martinez has once again starred, and the country may not be in the position they are in without their “unbelievable” wall at the very bedrock of their side.
And now, Villa boss Unai Emery must look to unleash the titan as the Premier League season approaches the restart, with the club currently sitting in 12th place after a lacklustre start to the campaign that saw the dismissal of Steven Gerrard as head coach.
Recording a rating of 6.91 in the Premier League, Martinez has saved 69% of the shots faced this term, winning 100% of his duels and keeping three clean sheets, as per Sofascore.
If the side are indeed to clamber their way up the table and return to a spot in the upper half of the division, then the utilisation of Martinez between the sticks will be imperative, and with reports of turmoil between the No. 1 shot-stopper and the Villa boss, rips in the seam will need to be threaded in order to establish fluidity and cohesion at the base of an ambitious side.
Aston Villa, having won three of their past four matches in the division, will now look to continue the recent upward trend, and welcoming back the £22m-rated Martinez and providing him with the platform to flourish once again will prove the key to prosperous fortunes.