Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has said on talkSPORT that he is surprised that he was able to sign Emiliano Martinez from Arsenal in the summer transfer window.
Villa secured the services of the Argentine goalkeeper from Premier League rivals Arsenal.
As reported by The Guardian, the Villans paid the Gunners a transfer fee of £20 million for the 28-year-old.
Smith said on talkSPORT: “Emi, I thought, was brilliant at Arsenal. I was surprised when the opportunity came up. We heard that there might be something there.
“Not just as a goalkeeper, but his character and his attitude around the place is refreshing really. He’s fit in really well.”
Good signing for Aston Villa?
Martinez played well for Arsenal in the final weeks of last season in the absence of Bernd Leno, who was injured at the time.
The Argentine has been brilliant for Villa so far this campaign and has been an assured figure between the posts.
The Villans have won four and lost one of their opening five Premier League games so far this campaign.
Martinez is a leader at the back, and his calm and assured manner must help relax the defenders in front of him.
It will be interesting to see the battle between Martinez and Tom Heaton for the goalkeeping position in the coming weeks and months.
One suspects that such a healthy competition will be welcomed by Villa manager Smith, who will hope for his team to challenge for the Premier League top 10 this season.
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