Emi Martinez’s “attitude” has been questioned by a fellow World Cup champion, but the Argentine is seen as on par with Thibaut Courtois.
Martinez’s theatrics, notably during penalty shootouts, have sparked criticism. His record speaks for itself, with Argentina winning a world championship in 2022 and two Copa America titles.
Their No.1, who plays his club football for Premier League side Aston Villa, is a two-time winner of the FIFA Best Men’s Goalkeeper award. He is about to test himself against European heavyweights as Villa face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Former Chelsea and France star Frank Leboeuf, who won the World Cup with France in 1998, has told Bet Victor when assessing Villa’s upcoming clash with PSG: “Aston Villa are having a great season; Unai Emery is having a brilliant time there and it’s nice to see players like Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio playing their best football and fitting in well. I’m a big fan of Boubacar Kamara too.
“I’m less of a fan of Emiliano Martinez – he’s a great goalkeeper but I don’t like his attitude. He’s up there with Thibaut Courtois on ability for me and they can absolutely trouble Paris Saint-Germain.
“If PSG play how they did against Liverpool, it’s hard to see Villa progressing but you never know. Villa must believe they can do something and it’s great to see teams like this at this level with a real chance against a European titan, good luck to them. It will be hard; PSG have already taken out the tournament favourite, Liverpool.”
Martinez has been beating Real Madrid shot-stopper Courtois to prestigious individual prizes. He is now hoping to emulate the Belgium international by landing a Champions League title of his own.
