Who is Aston Villa's greatest ever goalkeeper?

[Villa in Denmark]

Neither has Martinez.

Also a good point.

[Olneythelonely]

The word greatest is down to interpretation, so you can argue the point either way.
For me “Villas greatest “ has to be the Goalkeeper that contributed to our greatest success.

I sort of get that. Our two best centre backs aren’t the 82 centre backs though.

It’s definitely Martinez for me, if we’re talking best goalkeeper.

[cdbearsfan]

The word greatest is down to interpretation, so you can argue the point either way.
For me “Villas greatest “ has to be the Goalkeeper that contributed to our greatest success.

There wasn't one goalkeeper that contributed to our greatest success.

[dave.woodhall]

The word greatest is down to interpretation, so you can argue the point either way.
For me “Villas greatest “ has to be the Goalkeeper that contributed to our greatest success.

There wasn't one goalkeeper that contributed to our greatest success.

Indeed - Jimmy Whitehouse and Tom Wilkes.

[Dick Edwards]

Maybe my age but surprised not more mentions for Spink due to his longevity. Thought he was really consistent.

Emi is still my pick mind

I will love Nigel Spink until the day I die. Not only for his legendary performance on the evening of 26th May 1982, but for his loyalty over many years from that high, to the lows of the mid 1980s. He is, and will always be one of my all time favourite  Villa players. However, the question posed pertained to Villa's greatest ever goalkeeper, not favourite ever goalkeeper. In my lifetime, from the days of Colin Withers and John Dunn, Emi Martinez is the greatest goalkeeper I've seen in our shirt. He has everything. It's unbelievable knowing he spent ten years as an Arsenal reserve.

[Mellin]

That part doesn't really get spoken about, but is properly mental. He was on loan at Reading at 25/26. How? Either he was a late bloomer, or Arsenal were blind. Knowing Martinez I don't think he'd have stood for it if he was anywhere near this level.

[Pat Mustard]

That part doesn't really get spoken about, but is properly mental. He was on loan at Reading at 25/26. How? Either he was a late bloomer, or Arsenal were blind. Knowing Martinez I don't think he'd have stood for it if he was anywhere near this level.

Another great signing under Dean Smith - the part the management team played back then in enabling us to get to this level (alongside Martinez there is Watkins, Konsa, Cash et al who are still mainstays) should never be forgotten.

For me Martinez is our best ever GK now.  Spink was always a favourite growing up (especially in 89/90 when I think he should have gone to the World Cup), but Martinez is on a different level.

One other thing, I reckon we have probably had two of the best penalty saving keepers of all time in Martinez and Bosnich.

[Mister E]

One other thing, I reckon we have probably had two of the best penalty saving keepers of all time in Martinez and Bosnich.

Good point and maybe the fact that both could be total shithouses has an impact on their penalty-saving capabilities.

[Somniloquism]

That part doesn't really get spoken about, but is properly mental. He was on loan at Reading at 25/26. How? Either he was a late bloomer, or Arsenal were blind. Knowing Martinez I don't think he'd have stood for it if he was anywhere near this level.

Good solid international keepers ahead of him (Leno might be number 2 in Germany but that is because Neuer just keeps going). Loaned out alot as well so didn't have the opportunity to impress.

Emery was part of the team who didn't think he was good enough at that time although it was Legohead who, after Martinez had a big hand in winning him his first trophy, decided he wasn't good enough and cashed in.

[rob_bridge]

One other thing, I reckon we have probably had two of the best penalty saving keepers of all time in Martinez and Bosnich.

Good point and maybe the fact that both could be total shithouses has an impact on their penalty-saving capabilities.

Guzan was good at those too

[rob_bridge]

That part doesn't really get spoken about, but is properly mental. He was on loan at Reading at 25/26. How? Either he was a late bloomer, or Arsenal were blind. Knowing Martinez I don't think he'd have stood for it if he was anywhere near this level.

He broke in at end of covid season I assume as Leno was injured. Helped them win them the FA Cup and Arteta decided to ship him on for a decent fee for someone who hadn't played much. Leno was replaced by Ramsdale (who did have a good season for them IIRC) and then by Raya who I think is a fine keeper..

[Kevin Dawson]

That part doesn't really get spoken about, but is properly mental. He was on loan at Reading at 25/26. How? Either he was a late bloomer, or Arsenal were blind. Knowing Martinez I don't think he'd have stood for it if he was anywhere near this level.

Another great signing under Dean Smith - the part the management team played back then in enabling us to get to this level (alongside Martinez there is Watkins, Konsa, Cash et al who are still mainstays) should never be forgotten.

For me Martinez is our best ever GK now.  Spink was always a favourite growing up (especially in 89/90 when I think he should have gone to the World Cup), but Martinez is on a different level.

One other thing, I reckon we have probably had two of the best penalty saving keepers of all time in Martinez and Bosnich.

Paul Cooper saved 5 out of 7 in 1978/79, and then 8 out of 10 in 1979/80......

[PeterWithesShin]

I've said before that Maupay crocking Leno has had one hell of a butterfly effect.

[john e]

It’s unusual for the oldies on here including me to be picking someone in the current squad as the best they’ve seen
We tend to be a tad nostalgic
60 pluses have got a wealth of players to pick from including teams that were the best in this country and in Europe, so I think it says a lot given all that choice and all the experience to go for the current goalkeeper

So I would say to the youngsters (u30’s) enjoy him while you can. I hope he stays, but if he doesn’t I can guarantee that when you get to our age you’ll probably still be saying you’ve seen the best goalkeeper to play for Villa
Emi Martinez

[Somniloquism]

I went back and read the Reading post-match where Martinex kept it 0-0. Only one person mentioned how well their keeper played (he did make a last minute Martinez to protect the points if you watch the match).  I forgot it was during the the bad run before the brilliant one so moral was rock bottom. Also forgot about the misery troll Stuart.