Aston Villa have risen back to the European stage thanks to a sea-change at the club following the horror days in the Championship.
Before Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens, the Villa Park faithful were watching their team head into oblivion and probably not to be seen again.
But the transformation over the years has been remarkable, with those in the boardroom and managers, such as Dean Smith and Unai Emery all playing their part.
Players like Emiliano Martinez have also been pivotal to Aston Villa’s cause and the fans know they are blessed to have him in between their sticks.
The 31-year-old is the best in the world and a World Cup winner for a reason. His performances, week in and week out, for club and country is proof of that.
If Villa can secure Champions League football at the end of this campaign, then Martinez has played a huge part, just like he has done ever since he joined the club in 2020.
When Pep Guardiola was marvelling over the Midlands side ahead of the trip to Manchester City on Wednesday night, he was sure to praise the club’s Argentine star.
From hailing the bravery of Villa’s style of play, to the ‘incredibly fast players’ in the final third and the ‘exceptional’ Martinez, as he told his pre-match press conference.
Pep Guardiola hails Emiliano Martinez
“I think he is playing the same system and idea,” said Guardiola about Emery’s possible approach for Villa’s clash at the Etihad.
“They have really good set-pieces and transition with two incredibly fast players up front. The shape is pretty clear what they do. They can be high-pressing after they defend really well.
“The back four and back five, a really structured line. An exceptional keeper. That’s why they are where they are. Fighting to be there.”
There’s a reason why Emiliano Martinez left Arsenal
Martinez is a prime example of someone who fought, fought and didn’t stop fighting in his career.
He arrived in England as a fresh-faced teenager and joined Arsenal, but life was difficult for him for many, many years.
Loan spell after loan spell, some memorable, but others were mainly a struggle as he couldn’t get into Arsenal’s first team.
As he was heading towards his 30s, he wasn’t even capped by Argentina, but those games in lockdown for Arsenal, the FA Cup win and then transfer to Villa changed it all.
He is a prime example of someone who just hasn’t given up and deserves everything that has been coming his way and will continue to come his way.
