- Emiliano Martínez was the hero of Aston Villa’s penalty against Lille on Thursday
- He confronted rivals and fans and received three yellow cards that night.
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Unai Emery has hailed Emi Martínez as the best goalkeeper in the world after his controversial performance in Aston Villa’s dramatic victory over Lille.
Martinez had the last laugh with the Lille fans after winding them up all night, saving two penalties in the shootout to set up the Europa Conference League semi-final clash against Olympiacos.
The Argentine star will miss that match after receiving three yellow cards in the quarterfinals, including one during the penalty shootout.
Emery defended him strongly after the game at the Stade Pierre Mauroy and went even further on Friday, ahead of Villa’s Premier League clash against Bournemouth on Sunday.
Emery said: “He is having success individually and with both Argentina and Villa. Having had success with Argentina, he is progressively improving with Villa.
Emiliano Martínez was mobbed by Lille fans and enjoyed every moment on Thursday.
Martínez was once again the hero of Aston Villa’s Europa Conference League penalty shootout
Unai Emery described his Aston Villa goalkeeper as the best in the world after his performance
Martínez and Villa advance to the semifinals of the Europa Conference League
“He is decisive in many games and, of course, he is one of the best goalkeepers. The first, the second, the third? For me he is the best.”
The Villa manager also feared Martínez would be sent off when he was cautioned during the penalty shoot-out, having also received a yellow card for wasting time in the first half.
But Martínez was saved because yellow cards in the penalty shootout are not counted alongside those earned in the overall game, although Martínez will still miss the first leg against Olympiacos due to the three yellow cards he received during the tie.
Emery added: “Yes, I thought he would be expelled.” He didn’t know the rule. They soon told me about it and now it is very important for us. “It was strange because it is not a normal situation.”