Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has showered praise on former Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, labeling him as a world-class shot-stopper.
In the FA Cup fourth-round clash between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge, the match ended in a goalless draw, necessitating a replay to determine the team advancing to the fifth round. Despite Chelsea’s efforts, they couldn’t breach the defenses of Aston Villa’s goalkeeper Martinez, who made five crucial saves during the game.
Following the match, Pochettino commended his compatriot Martinez, acknowledging his exceptional talent. He stated (as quoted by the BBC):
“Of course, he is a world champion and is world-class. It’s always so difficult to beat them. Of course, it will be difficult, but it is also an opportunity for us to keep growing and improving and of course, we will take it in this way.”
Martinez, who was sold by Arsenal to Aston Villa in 2020 for a reported £17 million, has solidified his position as Villa’s primary goalkeeper. With 48 clean sheets in 139 appearances across competitions for the club, he has proven to be an indispensable asset.
Furthermore, Martinez played a pivotal role in Argentina’s triumph in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, showcasing his remarkable abilities on the international stage as well.
Meanwhile, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the situation surrounding Karim Benzema amid interest from Chelsea and Arsenal. Romano suggests that a January move for the French forward is improbable, with Saudi League officials determined to retain him until the end of the season.
