Crucial in the final of the 2022 World Cup, decisive against Lille in the Conference League in 2024, Emiliano Martinez has made more than a name for himself in France. Sometimes provocative, sometimes flirtatious, the Argentinian goalkeeper will challenge Monaco this Tuesday at 6:45 p.m. during the seventh day of the Champions League.
He didn’t need many meetings to make an impression. Emiliano Martinez especially made a name for himself on the evening of the 2022 World Cup final. Imperial in front of Randal Kolo Muani in the 123rd minute, the Argentine goalkeeper then repelled Kingsley Coman’s shot on goal before seeing the attempt ‘Aurélien Tchouameni misses the target.
The doorman also stood out for his provocations. At the origin of the minute of silence demanded in the Argentinian locker room for “Mbappé who is dead”, Martinez then shocked with his obscene celebration during the presentation of the trophy for the best goalkeeper of the World Cup. “I did it because the French booed me. Arrogance doesn’t work with me,” the main person retorted at the microphone of La Red radio.
“Sometimes it can go overboard but that’s how he gets into the heads of his opponents”
John Townley follows Emiliano Martinez’s performances with Aston Villa for Birmingham Live. According to him, the Argentinian goalkeeper took on another dimension from that moment.
“This World Cup, then also the Copa America in 2024, gave him a lot of self-confidence. He played a crucial role in these successes but also in those of Aston Villa. He is very valuable through his leadership in the locker room and he brings a bit of drama to the pitch,” said the British journalist. “Sometimes it can boil over but that’s how he gets into the heads of his opponents. You must not fall into his trap and stay calm.”
“The only thing I want is the best for my club and my country”
487 days after the Argentinians’ third world title, on April 18, 2024, “Dibu” Martinez was able to test his popularity in Lille in the quarter-final second leg of the Conference League. “Against Lille, there were obviously whistles against the Aston Villa players, but especially against him. It was very loud from the warm-up and it lasted the entire match, until the penalties,” he said. remembers John Townley.
The double title holder of the Lev Yachine trophy, rewarding the best goalkeeper in the world, repelled the attempts of Nabil Bentaleb and Benjamin André during penalties and qualified his team in the semi-finals. Provocative and disruptive, Emiliano Martinez received a second yellow card during this session but was not sent off. His few dance steps once qualification was assured, on the other hand, annoyed the people of Lille.
-In an interview given to The Guardian newspaper, Martinez justified his provocations: “The only thing I want is the best for my club and my country. That’s all that matters to me. I don’t cross any limits , I never do it.”
“A top goalkeeper with a lot of personality”
In difficulty at the moment, AS Monaco striker Breel Embolo will come up against a goalkeeper in great shape.
“I have never met him but he is a great goalkeeper, one of the best in the world. He has shown for several years that he is at a very good level,” judges the Swiss striker from the Principality club. “A top goalkeeper with a lot of personality, we will do everything to score and win these points.” If ASM wants to offer itself a European future beyond this championship phase, the Villans can reasonably hope for a place in the top 8 and access directly to the round of 16 in March.
For this, Unai Emery relies on his goalkeeper who according to him pulls his group to the top: “He is a very ambitious player. His commitment to Aston Villa is immense. He works hard and continues to improve despite his recent accomplishments. He transmits his mentality to the locker room and that is very important.”
Defender Ezri Konsa is also rave: “He’s the best goalkeeper in the world, he gives a lot of confidence to the back four. Having him behind me helps my performances.” A player who is better to have with you than against you.
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