Emi Martinez described as "best in the world" by Aston Villa chief

The 32-year-old, who has won the World Cup and two Copa America titles with Argentina since arriving at Villa Park in 2020, was recently awarded the Yashin Trophy (given to the best performing goalkeeper) for the second year in a row.

Martinez has starred 15 times for Villa across all competitions this term and has made 174 appearances in just over four seasons in the West Midlands. 

And Monchi believes the Argentina international is an inspiration to many of the players in the dressing room. 

"He is an important part of the Aston Villa brand, it shows the growth of this club," Monchi told Argentinian media outlets.

"Having the best goalkeeper in the world, totally loved and involved with the day-to-day running of the club. Emi is more than our goalkeeper, he is a reference in the dressing room, the club, for our fans, within the Premier League. 

"He is a reference, one of the team captains and an example. In recent years, he won the World Cup, the Copa America, became the best goalkeeper in the world and continues his daily motivation of wanting to be the best individually and as a team member. 

"He is a perfect mirror, he did not rest on his laurels, he wants to improve day by day and push the team to grow. He is an easy person to deal with, approachable, who provides solutions within a discussion."