Stiliyan Petrov raves about new Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez

Add as preferred source on Google

Stiliyan Petrov has told TalkSPORT (Friday, 12.10pm) that Aston Villa’s signing of goalkeeper Emi Martinez from Arsenal in the summer is one of the best transfers of the Premier League window – let alone among Villa’s signings.

Martinez, 28, broke into Arsenal’s team last season and clocked up 23 appearances for the Gunners. It was his best season in an Arsenal shirt, having previously managed just 15 Arsenal matches in nine seasons – after initially joining in 2010.

He has gone out on loan numerous times but his form for Arsenal left him with a decision to make – revert to back-up goalkeeper as Bernd Leno’s understudy, or try something new. At Villa, he has started in excellent form after four games.

Three clean sheets anf four wins in four have followed, conceding just two goals to Liverpool – which came in the 7-2 win. Aston Villa legend Petrov was asked about Martinez, and he believes he is one of the best additions of the Premier League window.

“Tom Heaton started last season very well, and he made a difference, Villa wanted that since his injury,” Petrov said. “In Martinez, they’ve got a solid goalkeeper that gives confidence to the back four and the team altogether. He is one of the best signings of the summer and for Villa this summer.”

TBR’s view – Is Martinez one of the best this summer?

James Rodriguez and Allan have sparkled since arriving at Everton under Carlo Ancelotti, while Ross Barkley has also impressed since joining Villa. Tottenham have benefitted from the arrival of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Sergio Reguilon so far.

Thiago at Liverpool, Timo Werner at Chelsea, Robin Koch at Leeds and plenty more deserve credit for making instant impacts at their new clubs. But Villa have had the best window, and Martinez is arguably the pick of the bunch.

Barkley, Matty Cash and Ollie Watkins are all excellent additions while Bertrand Traore offers pace and goals from the bench. But £60k-a-week (Standard) Martinez has solidified a leaky Villa defence. He is the best so far, as Petrov says.