Tim Sherwood lauds Aston Villa pair Ezri Konsa and Emi Martinez

Add as preferred source on Google

Tim Sherwood has told talkSPORT (broadcast on 19/10; 9:12) that both Ezri Konsa and Emiliano Martinez have been outstanding for Aston Villa this season, while he also praised those alongside the pair in the defence.

Dean Smith’s side sit second in the Premier League after winning their opening four games. They are just one point off top spot having played one less game than Everton.

And they boast, by far, the best defensive record in the division. They have conceded just two goals – both of which came in a 7-2 victory – while the next best side have let in six.

Sherwood suggested that bringing in Martinez was the final piece in the defensive jigsaw for Smith. But he also lauded the contributions made by the likes of Konsa and Matty Cash so far.

“Konsa’s been outstanding with Mings in the centre of defence,” he told talkSPORT. “Matty Cash is an upgrade, [Matt] Targett at left-back.

“But the goalkeeper behind, you know how important that is when you’ve got a good goalkeeper. Martinez has come in there and been outstanding. He’s a calming influence.”

Martinez has taken his form from the second-half of last season into this campaign. There seemed to be plenty of Arsenal fans who would have welcomed Mikel Arteta sticking with him as first-choice ahead of Bernd Leno.

But their loss is certainly Villa’s gain. He certainly looks to be a potential steal, with BBC Sport reporting that he cost just £17 million.

Meanwhile, Konsa – who earns £8,000-a-week, according to Spotrac – appears to have taken his game to another level this season. His performance at Leicester on Sunday prompted many supporters to tip the centre-back for a future England call-up.

If Villa’s run lasts much longer, Gareth Southgate will certainly struggle to find a reason not to consider the 22-year-old for November’s break.