Lisandro Martinez labelled Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez an ‘animal’ after Argentina booked their ticket to the knockout stages of the Qatar World Cup, as the Manchester United defender posted on Instagram.
After a shock loss to Saudi Arabia in Argentina’s opening World Cup group game, there was serious pressure on the team, especially given that it was Lionel Messi’s last dance on football’s biggest stage.
Villa’s man between the sticks, who is usually as confident as anyone, even had his tough moments and shared how he needed to see a psychologist after that game.
But he has bounced back in fine style and showcased why he is one of the top keepers in the world, even if a certain former England keeper, Paul Robinson, thinks otherwise.
That’s two clean sheets for Villa’s £17 million man (BBC Sport), including against his club teammate Matty Cash, whose Poland side progressed to the knockouts, despite losing to Argentina on Wednesday.
Nonetheless, Martinez stated on IG after that game ‘step by step like we always do’, with his international teammate, Lisandro Martinez praising him in the comments section.
MARTINEZ HEADING TO THE KNOCKOUTS
In 22 games for his country, Martinez has won 16, drawing five and losing just once, added with a stunning 15 clean sheets.
He has proven his worth before at Copa America and there is no reason why the Villa man can’t do it again with his Argentina teammates at the World Cup.
Lionel Scaloni’s men might have started off with a defeat and very nervy football, but they are starting to cook at the right time.
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