Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been nominated for the 2023 Ballon d’Or and the Lev Yashin Trophy, as the club posted on Twitter.
The 31-year-old won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, after being the star of the show in the penalty shootout win over France, not forgetting THAT stoppage-time save in extra-time.
It’s deserved recognition for Martinez because he has performed in the most pressured of games.
That performance at the World Cup is legendary and it’s something he will forever be remembered for.
Of course, on the club stage, he also helped Aston Villa make a return to Europe for the first time in 13 years, as Unai Emery bids to end the club’s long wait to win a trophy this season.
This is how Villa reacted to Martinez being recognised, as they posted on Twitter.
Martinez an important figure for Villa
With the Midlands side back in Europe, the first aim is to maintain that status and try to add a trophy to boot.
We are one of the favourites to win the Europa Conference League, and understandably so.
The money Premier League teams spend on players, they should be going into these types of tournaments with their chests out.
Plus, we have the added luxury of having Emery in the dugout, never mind the Conference, this guy is an expert at the level above.
So, at a minimum, there isn’t any reason why Villa shouldn’t be getting to the final, at least.
