Former Premier League player Carlton Palmer believes that Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez has done really well and his nomination for the Yashin Trophy is well merited.
Aston Villa signed Martinez for £16million according to the Daily Mail in September of 2020, with the Argentine putting pen to paper on a four-year deal.
How many clean sheets will Emi Martinez keep this season?
3-10
11-20
21+
During his first season at Villa Park, the 29-year-old kept 15 clean sheets in the Premier League in 38 matches and Palmer believes that he has done really well since joining the club.
“What did he keep, 14, 15 clean sheets? So, it’s nice that he’s been recognised for his performances and he’s done really well, so did Aston Villa. I think Smith has done a fantastic job with the football club and any accolade that comes to either Smith or any of his players is well merited,” Palmer told This is Futbol.
With 15 clean sheets last term that put Martinez third in the Premier League stats for the most number of shutouts, with Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson taking the Golden Glove accolade with 19 clean sheets.
After his outstanding campaign, Martinez was announced one of the nominees for the 2021 Yashin Trophy and is selected alongside the likes Keylor Navas, Manuel Neuer, Jan Oblak, and Samir Handanovic.
Former Villa player Gabby Agbonlahor was also full of praise for Martinez, telling Football Insider: “Martinez is a great shot-stopper and great with his feet. He’s not Ederson with his feet but he’s more than good enough which is perfect.
“For me, I’d put him right up there as one of the top five in the world, definitely.”