Emiliano Martínez has become one of the most respected and prominent goalkeepers in world football. Since rising to prominence with his exceptional performances for Aston Villa and the Argentina national team, Martínez has solidified his reputation as one of the finest shot-stoppers in the game. This article will explore his career stats, performance metrics, and the factors that contribute to his growing legacy.
Who is Emiliano Martínez
Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez was born on September 2, 1992, in Mar del Plata, Argentina. He began his football journey in the youth ranks of Independiente, one of Argentina’s most prominent clubs. However, it wasn’t until he moved to England and joined the ranks of Arsenal that Martínez’s career began to flourish. Despite initially struggling to break into the first team, Martínez’s persistence and work ethic eventually paid off, and he became a key player for both club and country.
Martínez’s breakthrough came in the 2020-2021 season, when he became Aston Villa’s first-choice goalkeeper after a successful loan spell at the club. His performances during this period were exceptional, earning him widespread recognition. He also enjoyed success on the international stage with Argentina, playing a vital role in their 2021 Copa América triumph and their victorious 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign.
Emiliano Martínez’s Club Career Stats
Arsenal (2010–2020)
Martínez began his professional career with Arsenal, joining the club’s youth setup in 2010. However, he found it difficult to establish himself as a regular starter due to fierce competition for the goalkeeper spot. Over a decade with Arsenal, Martínez had several loan spells at various clubs, including Oxford United, Sheffield Wednesday, and Reading.
His big break came during the 2019-2020 season when Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper, Bernd Leno, suffered an injury. Martínez stepped in and delivered standout performances in key matches, including a memorable display in the FA Cup final against Chelsea. His efforts were crucial in Arsenal winning the trophy that season. During his brief stint as Arsenal’s number one, Martínez made 11 Premier League appearances, keeping 4 clean sheets and conceding just 10 goals.
Despite his excellent performances, Martínez struggled to displace Leno permanently and eventually made the move to Aston Villa in September 2020 for a reported £20 million.
Aston Villa (2020–Present)
Since his move to Aston Villa, Martínez has become one of the Premier League’s most consistent goalkeepers.
His commanding presence in the box, ability to make crucial saves, and leadership qualities have been pivotal to Villa’s success. During the 2020-2021 season, he kept 15 clean sheets in 38 Premier League appearances, showcasing his ability to keep the ball out of the net. His shot-stopping ability, particularly from close range, was exceptional, earning him numerous accolades.
In the 2021-2022 season, Martínez continued to perform at a high level for Aston Villa. Although Villa had an inconsistent season, Martínez’s individual stats remained strong. He registered another 15 clean sheets, making several important saves that kept his team in games. His leadership on the field and vocal presence have made him an indispensable part of Villa’s defensive unit.
Career Stats (Aston Villa as of 2024)
Premier League appearances: 110+
Clean Sheets: 35+
Goals Conceded: 110+
Saves Made: 300+
In addition to his club performances, Martínez has been crucial in Villa’s pursuit of cup competitions, providing stability and making crucial saves during their campaigns in the FA Cup and the EFL Cup.
Emiliano Martínez’s International Career Stats
Martínez’s rise to prominence has not been limited to his club career. The goalkeeper has been a key figure for the Argentina national team since earning his first call-up in 2019. While he initially played second fiddle to the legendary Sergio Romero, Martínez’s performances in Argentina’s Copa América and World Cup campaigns catapulted him into the starting spot, where he has continued to shine.
Copa América 2021
One of the highlights of Martínez’s international career came in the 2021 Copa América. As Argentina’s starting goalkeeper, he was pivotal in their successful tournament run. His performances throughout the competition were outstanding, culminating in a man-of-the-match performance in the final against Brazil. Martínez made crucial saves in penalty shootouts against Colombia in the semifinals, helping Argentina secure their first major international trophy since 1993.
During the Copa América, Martínez kept 3 clean sheets in 7 matches, and his composure in penalty shootouts earned him the nickname “El Dibu,” a reference to his cool-headed approach under pressure.
FIFA World Cup 2022
Emiliano Martínez’s career reached a new zenith during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Argentina’s road to World Cup glory was built on a solid defensive foundation, with Martínez being the backbone. His incredible shot-stopping and leadership played a crucial role in Argentina’s success. Martínez made several key saves, including a remarkable save in the penalty shootout against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals, ensuring Argentina’s passage to the semifinals.
In the final against France, Martínez was called upon to make crucial saves in the dying moments of the match, keeping Argentina in the game. His penalty-saving heroics in the final shootout earned him the “Golden Glove” award as the best goalkeeper of the tournament, further solidifying his place as one of the world’s best.
Career Stats (Argentina as of 2024)
Appearances: 45+
Clean Sheets: 20+
Goals Conceded: 35+
Save Percentage: 76%
Key Strengths of Emiliano Martínez
Shot-Stopping
One of Martínez’s standout qualities is his exceptional shot-stopping ability. He has a remarkable ability to react quickly to shots from both long range and close range. His reflexes and agility make him an incredibly difficult goalkeeper to beat, even when facing high-pressure situations. His performances in penalty shootouts, where he regularly saves key shots, have further enhanced his reputation.
Distribution
Martínez is not just a shot-stopper; his distribution skills are also notable. He is comfortable with the ball at his feet, whether launching long throws or making precise passes to his defenders. This ability allows his team to transition quickly from defense to attack, making him a valuable asset in a modern footballing system that demands more from goalkeepers than just shot-stopping.
Leadership and Composure
Martínez is a natural leader on the pitch. His vocal presence and organizational skills help keep his defense in check, particularly during high-pressure moments. His composed demeanor, especially in penalty shootouts and high-stakes games, has earned him immense respect from his teammates and coaches.
FAQs
How many clean sheets has Emiliano Martínez kept in the Premier League?
As of 2024, Emiliano Martínez has kept over 35 clean sheets in the Premier League, primarily with Aston Villa. His excellent shot-stopping ability and commanding presence have made him one of the league’s top goalkeepers since joining Villa in 2020.
What is Emiliano Martínez’s save percentage?
Martínez boasts an impressive save percentage of approximately 76% in his Premier League career. This statistic highlights his consistent ability to deny opposition attempts and maintain solid defensive performances.
How many goals has Emiliano Martínez conceded for Aston Villa?
Since joining Aston Villa in 2020, Martínez has conceded over 110 goals in the Premier League. However, his ability to keep clean sheets and make crucial saves in tight situations has helped Villa maintain a competitive defense.
Has Emiliano Martínez won any individual awards?
Yes, Martínez won the Golden Glove for the best goalkeeper at the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, recognizing his outstanding performances in those tournaments.
To Conclude
Emiliano Martínez’s stats highlight a goalkeeper who has evolved into one of the best in the world. His career trajectory, from being a backup at Arsenal to becoming a world-class shot-stopper at Aston Villa and Argentina, is a testament to his hard work and determination. With numerous achievements under his belt, including a Copa América title and a World Cup victory, Martínez’s legacy continues to grow.
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