Aston Villa legend Gabriel Agbonlahor has dubbed Emiliano Martinez “the best” following the Argentine’s form for Unai Emery’s side this season.
It was Aston Villa’s forwards that stole the headlines during Saturday’s 5-0 thrashing of Sheffield United, although club legend Gabriel Agbonlahor has this week singled out a member of Unai Emery’s team who is far from being among the goals.
Speaking on talkSPORT [Mon 5th Feb 17:38], Agbonlahor was full of praise for Emi Martinez, who earned his sixth clean sheet of the Premier League season at the weekend, taking him to joint-fourth in the race for the Golden Glove award.
Gabby Agbonlahor sings Emi Martinez’s praises
The former Villa striker lauded the 31-year-old as “the best goalkeeper in the world” for his performances in general of late, paying close attention to the presence he brings to the squad.
“He’s the best goalkeeper in the world, it’s not rocket science, he won the World Cup and his performances for Aston Villa have shown that.”
“Some of the saves he makes, mate – not this game but the one before. He was pinging balls with his left foot straight to Matty Cash at right-back, he’s a presence as well, I think he’s the best goalkeeper in the world.”
Agbonlahor’s praise for Martinez is an opinion shared by many
In October, Martinez was crowned the winner of the Yashin Trophy at the Balon d’Or Awards to crown him as the best goalkeeper in the world for his contributions to his club and country.
Speaking after receiving the award, the former Arsenal outsider admitted he was “full of emotion” to have won the prize, in what had been a phenomenal 2022/23 football calendar for the World Cup winner.
Placing his heroics to win Argentina the World Cup in Qatar in 2022 aside, the £17m acquisition is moving from strength to strength domestically, highlighted by his sturdy performances between the sticks for Villa.
Despite the forward’s receiving the attention after the win at Bramall Lane, the occasion was nearly tainted by the Blades, who had a double chance to score which was eliminated heroically by Martinez.
Commenting under the club’s tweet that showcased the double-save, fans were quick to show support for their number one, with one account saying “I feel like Emi makes at least one of these saves every game. Best in the world.”
Agbonlahor’s admiration for the Argentine is an opinion shared by many around the world, and particularly in the Midlands, where the 31-year-old is greatly adored at Villa Park.
