'Perfect': Monchi says Aston Villa have a world-class talent in their ranks who wants to get better and better

Yesterday at 01:18 PM

Aston Villa may have experienced a bit of a downturn in form of late, but for the most part, they are doing incredibly well.

Unai Emery’s Villans currently sit ninth in the Premier League table on 18 points, just one adrift of third-placed Chelsea.

Aston Villa are also in a good position in the Champions League table, sitting eighth after three wins and one loss in the competition.

Along with Emery, Villa sporting director Monchi has played a huge part in taking the club back into the upper tiers of European football.

And this week, Monchi has spoken at length about a Villans player who he has deemed the best in the world in his position

Said player also boasts the right attitude at the club and, better still, he never slows down in the pursuit of improving himself and the team.

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Monchi deems Emiliano Martinez ‘an important part of the Aston Villa brand’

The player in question is Emiliano Martinez, who has risen to the very top of the game after swapping Arsenal for Villa.

Martinez’s efforts have not only helped the Villans become a Champions League side, but he has also helped Argentina to the 2022 World Cup and two Copa America titles.

Earlier this week, Monchi appeared at a Sports Summit being hosted by Argentine newspaper Ole, so it was no surprise to hear him talking about the Albiceleste icon.

"He is an important part of the Aston Villa brand, it shows the growth of this club," said the Spaniard.

"Having the best goalkeeper in the world, totally loyal 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 one of the pillars on which we want to continue growing, he represents what we want to transmit to society, to compete to the maximum for everything that is presented to us.”

Monchi continued: "He is a reference, one of the team captains and an example.

“In recent years he won the world championship, the Copa America, became the best goalkeeper in the world and continues with the 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."

Martinez once again recognised as world’s best goalkeeper

Earlier this month, Martinez was honoured at the 2024 Ballon d'Or gala in Paris for his outstanding season for club and country.

For the second time running, he was presented with the Yacine Trophy, awarded to the best goalkeeper in world football and selected by former Ballon d'Or winners.

Lionel Messi was among those who sung Martinez’s praises, posting on social media: "Congratulations to all the winners and nominees of the Ballon d'Or 2024.

"Especially to Dibu (what a great, another award for best goalkeeper in the world!), to Lautaro, to Leo and Ale. It's very nice to see them there!"

Martinez made history by becoming the first player to win the award in successive years, beating the likes of Mike Maignan, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Andriy Lunin this year.