John Terry says Emiliano Martinez would take training sessions at Aston Villa, and as an assistant coach, he would just ‘stand back and listen’ to the Argentina World Cup star.
The Chelsea legend, who worked under Dean Smith, praised Martinez as a character and how he would set a ‘great impression’ on the younger players at Villa’s training complex at Bodymoor Heath.
Villa’s number one is preparing for the biggest game of his life on Sunday when Argentina lock horns with France for a chance to become champions of the world.
Those in B6 know far too well that Martinez is as confident as anyone in between the sticks and this is a day he has been waiting for a long time.
One thing is for sure, he’s not going to lack in any confidence, even if he has Kylian Mbappe and Co. running at him, as Terry spoke about the player in training to beIN SPORTS (13/12/22 at 9:30 pm).
“We used to have to say to him after training, ‘right in you go’,” said Terry. “He would be like ‘ten more balls’. He would be doing a half-volley that way (kicking the ball out with his feet re his distribution), then half-volley the other way.
“It was incredible to see. He gives a great impression to the younger keepers watching that as well. They then want to stay out and improve.
“But I used to take the defenders at Aston Villa as well. I used to have Emi as part of that back five, as an assistant coach being there and giving them advice.
“Then, he would actually come and take the session for you. ‘No, no squeeze up, I want my defenders there, I want my right-back tucked in’. I used to stand back and just listen. As a coach, you have your ideas of what you want your defenders to do. But it’s important that the modern-day players do what they want to do as well.”
WORLD CUP FINALIST EMILIANO MARTINEZ
To no-one’s surprise, Martinez has already played a huge part in Argentina reaching the final of the World Cup, after his two saves during his side’s shootout win against the Netherlands.
When Argentina secured Copa America glory, he was the hero back then and you don’t want to bet against him producing that same magic in the final.
One of the pre-tournament favourites might have started with a shock defeat to Saudi Arabia, but the final chapter of Lionel Messi’s career could be written in the most perfect of fashion.
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