Emi Martinez

[Ads]

He's the most complete keeper I've seen.

Friedel couldn't dominate his area and Bozzie had poor distribution. Martinez comes and claims everything, he is quick off his line, he can pass (funny Carragher going here is Beckenbauer when in possession), he has great reactions and he is also an excellent shot stopper.

He's easily one of the top 3 keepers in the league.

[TopDeck113]

I agree with that assessment, Ads.

We've had some really good goalkeepers down the years, but Martinez looks the most complete. 

Of the last three that won us trophies, Rimmer was exceptionally brave and marshalled (for which read, bollocked) his defence continuously. Spink was an excellent shot stopper considering his large frame but never really commanded the whole area and as such didn't inspire those in front of him with the confidence that they had in his immediate predecessor.  Bosnich arguably the best shot stopper, certainly from close range, we've had, but with the advent of the no pass-back rule his distribution with his feet was a liability: even his drop kicks far too often ended up going for opposition throws.

No one would ever deny that Schmeichel, Friedel and, most recently, Reina were great keepers, but they came to us past their peak.  The "has been" names that were for too long the Villa way in the transfer market. 

[LukeJames]

His distribution is unreal. That sideways leg swing technique thing he does for long passes is so accurate.

[Clampy]

I didn't think David James was too bad for us either to be honest. He seemed a bit more focused when he came to us. Martinez has been very very good though. You just know that he is going to come and claim the ball nine times out of ten.

[TopDeck113]

I didn't think David James was too bad for us either to be honest. He seemed a bit more focused when he came to us. Martinez has been very very good though. You just know that he is going to come and claim the ball nine times out of ten.

In my mind, David James's Villa career will always be tainted be the goal in the Cup Final.  In fact, his entire career is tainted by the two goals he conceded in two of three Cup Finals he played in: two set piece crosses, two mistakes, two goals that settled the outcome.

[Flamingo Lane]

One thing I love about Martinez is when a ball is crossed into our box, and one then hears the booming sound of 'KEEPER', and it's safe to relax.

[chrisf]

In my mind, David James's Villa career will always be tainted be the goal in the Cup Final.

I didn't know that. Couldn't see clearly on the day and have spent the last twenty years trying to erase the memory. Just watched it for the first time on youtube. Pretty shit keeping.

[Clampy]

I didn't think David James was too bad for us either to be honest. He seemed a bit more focused when he came to us. Martinez has been very very good though. You just know that he is going to come and claim the ball nine times out of ten.

In my mind, David James's Villa career will always be tainted be the goal in the Cup Final.  In fact, his entire career is tainted by the two goals he conceded in two of three Cup Finals he played in: two set piece crosses, two mistakes, two goals that settled the outcome.

Forgot about that to be honest. Mind you, that whole 90 minutes was forgettable.

[john e]

His distribution is unreal. That sideways leg swing technique thing he does for long passes is so accurate.

It’s like David Beckham quality only in goalie form

[curiousorange]

I didn't think David James was too bad for us either to be honest. He seemed a bit more focused when he came to us. Martinez has been very very good though. You just know that he is going to come and claim the ball nine times out of ten.

In my mind, David James's Villa career will always be tainted be the goal in the Cup Final.  In fact, his entire career is tainted by the two goals he conceded in two of three Cup Finals he played in: two set piece crosses, two mistakes, two goals that settled the outcome.

That's all I ever think of when somebody mentions David James. Whatever positive things he did, I can only ever think, "you dropped the FA Cup".

[darren woolley]

Another clean sheet he's a top top keeper.

[trinityoap]

1.Exudes confidence
2.inspires confidence
3.Dominates his area
4.Actually catches the bloody ball
5.Knows how and when to distribute the ball
6.Can probably take penalties.
7.Can become Villa's best goalkeeper in living memory.
8.Enough said.

[john e]

1.Exudes confidence
2.inspires confidence
3.Dominates his area
4.Actually catches the bloody ball
5.Knows how and when to distribute the ball
6.Can probably take penalties.
7.Can become Villa's best goalkeeper in living memory.
8.Enough said.

Apart from Heaton for a short time numbers 3 + 4 we have lacked for some time

[nigel]

He's the most complete keeper I've seen.

Friedel couldn't dominate his area and Bozzie had poor distribution. Martinez comes and claims everything, he is quick off his line, he can pass (funny Carragher going here is Beckenbauer when in possession), he has great reactions and he is also an excellent shot stopper.

He's easily one of the top 3 keepers in the league.

For Emi to be mentioned alongside Rimmer and Spink (my two best keepers) as Villa’s best keeper is testament to how good he is.
It’s actually difficult to see how he can improve!

[D.boy]

It is a joy to watch Emi. Commands the box and takes everything in the air. I have been very impressed with his distribution and range of pass. No doubt his confidence is rubbing off on the defence who are doing really well this season.