GOALKEEPER NAMED ONE OF THE BEST

Aston Villa shot stopper Emiliano Martinez has been named one of the best signings of the current season by footballer turned pundit Matthew Upson. Matthew Upson gave the verdict on Emiliano Martinez last week while he was on Sky Sports. The ex-Ipswich Town, West Ham United and Arsenal defender has been impressed with Argentine international goalkeeper since he left his former club Arsenal to join Aston Villa last summer. Aston Villa paid an initial fee of £16m for Emiliano Martinez and the fee could rise to £20m depending on add-ons.

Emiliano Martinez had to leave Arsenal for Aston Villa last summer after Gunners boss Mikel Arteta failed to guarantee him a first team shirt on the back of his impressive showing for Arsenal last season. Martinez was the second choice goalkeeper behind Bernd Leno at the start of the last campaign until the German shot stopper suffered a knee injury during the collision with Brighton and Hove Albion striker Neal Maupay shortly after football resumed last season. Premier League football had gone on a three-month hiatus because of the dreaded Covid-19. Emiliano Martinez replaced the injured Bernd Leno in the Arsenal goal and he was in sensational form from then till the end of the season. Emiliano Martinez was in the Arsenal goal as the Gunners beat Manchester City and Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final and final to win title number 14 in the competition. No one has won more than 12 FA Cup titles.

Matthew Upson said Emiliano Martinez is a brilliant signing for Aston Villa and that he likes the squad that Dean Smith has at his disposal. It has been a remarkable turnaround for Aston Villa and manager Dean Smith after they narrowly escaped relegation last season. Aston Villa are in the hunt for an European place at the end of this season and Emiliano Martinez has the second most clean sheet in the Premier League this term with nine. Only Manchester City goalkeeper EdersonMoraes has more.