Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez has now explained why he was left ‘fuming’ despite producing an ‘exceptional’ campaign.
The 2023/24 campaign was a memorable one for many reasons at Aston Villa as they qualified for the Champions League and reached the semi-finals of a European competition.
World number one Emi Martinez helped guide Villa to Unai Emery’s goal of finishing in the top four, playing a vital role in between the sticks.
The incredible Argentine played in 34 of 38 matches in the Premier League, with his presence sorely felt when he wasn’t available.
In the four matches he didn’t feature, the Villans collected three points from a possible 12 and conceded an eye-watering 11 goals.
Yet, despite enjoying an “exceptional” campaign in B6 where he prevented 4.57 goals and made some outstanding saves, the 31-year-old was still left “fuming” by one aspect of his season.
Emi Martinez explains why he was left ‘fuming’ at Aston Villa
The plaudits have continued to fall at the feet of Martinez across a successful 2023/24, including from Gary Neville, who lauded the shot-stopper as “world-class”.
He’s certainly cemented his place in that category, there’s no doubt about that, but the former Arsenal man was still left “fuming” by the amount of clean sheets he kept.
Speaking to Ben Foster on Fozcast, Martinez explained how his target for clean sheets was double figures at least, so he was disappointed when he only registered eight, placing Villa 10th in the league for that metric.
“This season is one of the best seasons for the club in 42 years,” Martinez said. “But I kept only eight clean sheets, even in my worst season for Villa I kept 11.
“So to show me the stats with the most goals prevented in the league that I ever have since I signed for Arsenal; it’s like I am achieving something really good even this season but I wanted 10 clean sheets; my locker is minimum 10 clean sheets, 11, so I was fuming I couldn’t get it.”
Emi Martinez sets the bar high
There’s a reason why Martinez is arguably the best goalkeeper on the planet. He sets the bar high in every department, so that attitude explains why he was so upset not to hit double figures for clean sheets.
It’s this relentless mentality that the Argentine has developed since arriving at Villa, with Emery also instilling it into his players as he demands high standards from his squad.
Martinez had a fantastic season for the club and earned widespread credit but there’s always room for improvement, and that is why he’s ultimately a World Cup-winning goalkeeper.
The 31-year-old is now preparing for a Copa America campaign with Argentina. Their first match is against Canada on the 21st of June and if they reach the final on the 15th of July, Martinez will have little time to rest before he’s in the thick of the action for Aston Villa.
Their pre-season tour of the United States kicks off on the 27th of July, so it promises to be a busy schedule for the keeper, who will be licking his lips at the prospect of playing Champions League football in 2024/25.
