Martinez: "Arrogance is insecurity" - Bosnich on Villa's No. 1 Goalkeeper

In a captivating discussion with The Athletic, former Aston Villa goalkeeper Mark Bosnich delves into the unique attributes of current custodian Emiliano Martinez, a player he believes is the best in the world.

The conversation, held in Sydney after 9 pm local time, began with a reflection on Martinez's meteoric rise to prominence. Bosnich, a Villa legend who made 217 appearances for the club across seven years, remembers a chance encounter with Martinez in Perth ahead of the 2022 World Cup. He recalls the Argentinian goalkeeper's determination and confidence, even amidst comparisons to Bosnich himself. "He told me Villa supporters kept comparing him to me," Bosnich said, "I just said, 'Listen, you're going to win the World Cup in three months, and because Villa haven't won a major trophy since 1996, getting into the top four would be winning a trophy."

Fast forward to today, and Martinez has achieved both, lifting the World Cup and solidifying his status as the world's best goalkeeper by winning The Yashin Trophy, and recently signing a contract extension with Villa until 2029. "I am so happy for him," Bosnich enthused, "Right now there's no better goalkeeper in the world."

To understand Martinez's unique skillset, Bosnich analysed various aspects of his game, from his penalty-saving prowess to his "Schmeichel-esque" tendencies. He explained that Martinez's perceived arrogance is, in fact, a mask for a deep-seated insecurity. "He has a great energy," Bosnich said, "If you look through his career and where he's come from, he has a tinge of insecurity, which is understandable."

Bosnich, who himself faced similar accusations of arrogance during his playing days, acknowledged the fine line between confidence and insecurity. "I know what it is because I was accused of arrogance, and deep down, it wasn't that: it is confidence with a tinge of insecurity," he elaborated.

The conversation then shifted to Martinez's ability to thrive under pressure. Bosnich pointed to the Argentinian's reaction to the jeers from Lille supporters during their UEFA Conference League shootout win in April, where Martinez's infamous World Cup celebrations resurfaced. "He thrives on the boos," Bosnich stated, "He's been conditioned to build himself against people who say 'You can't do it'. He gets into the mindset where the negativity motivates him."

Bosnich also commended Martinez's athleticism, a trait often overlooked in the towering goalkeeper. "When people say 'They look their age', for goalkeepers, it is 'they look their height' which means they are not athletic. But Emi is very athletic," Bosnich asserted.

The analysis of Martinez's shot-stopping skills highlighted his "spread eagle" style, particularly effective against close-range shots. "Schmeichel-esque," Bosnich remarked, "in how he makes himself like a handball goalkeeper." This approach, while daunting for strikers, requires exceptional athleticism, as Bosnich explained: "The closer the shot is, the less time you have, and this method becomes effective. For a striker, it's not nice when they see a big target coming towards them."

Bosnich then discussed Martinez's ability to remain calm under intense pressure, using his save against Adama Traoré in a crucial match against Fulham as an example. "He had so much speed as he came out," Bosnich observed, "but see how he stopped himself as Adama Traoré steadies himself? It wasn't dangerous speed where the striker can push the ball past you. It was well-timed."

Martinez's role in Villa's high defensive line was also examined. "It makes the game easier for the central defenders so they don't keep running back," Bosnich explained. However, he cautioned that playing so high can expose a goalkeeper to chip shots, a threat that almost cost Bosnich himself in a 1994 match against Manchester United.

The conversation culminated in an analysis of two standout saves against Erling Haaland, a testament to Martinez's quick reflexes and strength. "Even though he's had to go behind himself," Bosnich concluded, "Emi has kept his arms in front of his body. Otherwise, if you start to dive backwards, you can get in big trouble and palm the ball into the net. Look at how strong his wrists are."

The conversation left no doubt that Bosnich holds Martinez in high regard. However, he acknowledges that Martinez's legacy at Villa remains incomplete. "He's been a massive part of Villa's revival," Bosnich stated, "I'll hold my hands up and say Emi is a better goalkeeper if he wins a trophy with Villa." Ultimately, it is trophy success that could elevate Martinez above his predecessor, as Bosnich conceded, "Yes. Forget about clean sheets or anything like that. It all depends on whether he wins a trophy with Villa."