Aston Villa goalkeeper Joe Gauci has now dropped praise for one of the best goalkeepers on the planet, Emiliano Martinez.
Joe Gauci joined Lino Sousa and Morgan Rogers as one of three deadline-day signings.
Captured on a four-and-a-half year contract from Adelaide United, the highly-rated shot-stopper has arrived at Villa Park to play as an understudy to Emiliano Martinez.
Unai Emery was left short in the goalkeeper department after sending Filip Marschall out on loan while 34-year-old Robin Olsen is approaching the end of his career.
Emery wanted a long-term replacement for that position, someone who could learn from and potentially challenge Martinez for the number one spot in the future.
With the signing of Gauci, it appears the Spaniard has found a player who is comfortable with playing understudy to the Argentine.
The Australian will now link up with his Villa teammates after representing his country at the Asia Cup and has since expressed his admiration for Martinez.
Joe Gauci drops ‘special’ praise for Emiliano Martinez
Speaking to ESPN and AAP, Gauci has revealed why it’s going to be ‘special’ to work with the World Cup-winning goalkeeper at Villa Park.
He said: “It’s going to be something special [to work with Martinez],
“Having someone with that experience; he’s had to wait for his opportunity to be a No. 1, but he’s taken it with both hands.
“He’s playing at a high level for both club and country. So to see how he works from day to day and the output on the park and off the park. It’s going to be amazing to see.
“It’s the Premier League and these are world-class players. The things that they do from day to day are going to be amazing to say and I’m eager to listen and learn.”
There are parallels between Martinez and Gauci
As a young goalkeeper at Arsenal, Martinez was sent from pillar to post out on loan and only featured 15 times for the Gunners in 12 years.
During his time at the Emirates, the 31-year-old had to battle the likes of Wojciech Szczęsny and Petr Cech for a spot in between the sticks.
Gauci has encountered similar difficulties with his country, spending years as second choice to former Brighton goalkeeper Maty Ryan.
A move to Villa Park, however, will enable him to learn from a world-class goalkeeper and eventually wrestle the number-one jersey away from Ryan.
This is ultimately the best move he could have made in his career. Not only does it place his name on a bigger stage, but he will also get opportunities to shine in cup competitions.
Emery may be tempted to play him in the Europa Conference League from the round of 16 onwards.
