Having a true No. 1 keeper is about far more than watching someone make incredible saves. Emiliano Martínez is the backbone of the Aston Villa squad. Having someone with his confidence and ability instantly provides a level of comfort for everyone else on the pitch.
Everyone wants to put on the best showing of themselves on the pitch anyway. Knowing, however, that there is a true world-class keeper in Martínez back there gives everyone the ability to play more freely. If a mistake happens, there is a sense of the Villa keeper being able to ensure that the ball stays out of the back of his net.
Being able to take the pitch with that security blanket translates throughout the entirety of the squad. On most occasions, it takes something special for a ball to get past 'Dibu.' When that happens, one just has to give a tip of the cap. It is impossible for everything to be saved.
The overall attitude and infectious energy that Martínez brings mean a great deal. In matches where the players may need to be able to turn to someone or after a week that has been particularly draining for whatever reason during the season, having the strong presence of Martínez comes to become that much more important.
Clear-cut case for Aston Villa to keep Martínez
Some point to mistakes and moments when a mistake directly led to a goal. What those criticisms fail to also point to is how often Martínez has saved points for Villa. While the opposition scoring something that looks preventable can be deflating, it is at times more so inspiring when a keeper does something incredible to prevent a goal or when an effort is saved from the spot.
The age at which a keeper can play at a high level is different from that of the field players. At 32, Martínez is actually still young for someone in his position. While Villa would likely not have too much of an issue finding someone else to step in, in the immediate future, a lot would be lost without having Martínez at the club any more.