Emi Martinez has again reiterated his desire to become the number 1 goalkeeper at Arsenal, saying he believes he’s good enough to take the role from Bernd Leno.
The Argentine was speaking ahead of the Gunners Europa League clash with Standard Liege, expressing his own self-confidence rather than creating confrontation with his teammate.
Having been called up to his national team’s squad for the upcoming internationals, his profile is rising, and after many years understudying more experienced keepers, he’s determined to take his chances this season.
“Since I signed for this club, my goal was always to be the No 1, ” he said.
“I’ve been here for almost 10 years and I came as a young boy, now I’m a grown man. I’ve been on some good loans and bad loans, but at the end of the day my work ethic and commitment has always been focused on being the No 1 for Arsenal and Argentina.
“That’s the dream. I said to my dad that I’m going to do it and I won’t stop until I’m No 1 for Argentina.
“If you want to be No 1 at Arsenal, you have to believe in yourself no matter what. I believe in my talent and I believe in my work.
“I have been lucky to have really good goalkeeper coaches. Gerry Peyton really helped me, and Sal and Javi have taken me to another level to be honest.
“I’m grateful but my goals are much higher than that.”
You can’t fault that attitude, and the reality of his situation is that in order to take the job from Leno he’s going to have to play really well as the German looks like one of the best stoppers in the Premier League right now.
That kind of competition between our two keepers can only be a positive thing, and hopefully they can push each other to become even better.
He can start by going one better than Leno last year and bringing the EL trophy to a new home at the Emirates. That would go some way to staking his claim at Arsenal.
Leno didn’t play a lot of important EL games last season though…
Maybe it’s just me. But Martinez in goal gives me more confidence. That said, Leno has been nothing but excellent this season.
There’s just something about a 6ft4 keeper
He also seems like more of an organizer than Leno does, but that could be due to the relative experience/inexperience of the defensive players in front of each keeper.
Yeah, it’s the new 6ft3 after all.
I think Leno is a better shot stopper. But Martinez catches every cross into the box. He’s more like Cech in that sense. Leno can be a bit flappy.
True dat. I’ve been critical of Leno from the start but have to say he’s played well last 2 games. But I still have more confidence in the team with Martinez between the sticks…he seems more commanding in the box…
Prakhar, Martinez sleeping at home must give you confidence as well cause we have never seen Martinez in a PL game.
In the games he has played Martinez seems to have better distribution than Leno. Leno seems to be comfortable with the ball at his feet and playing short but his distribution is really poor.
I also believe that Emi, at least you have to balls to tell those defenders and the coach to fuck off and take the goalkick yourself. 2 clean sheets is no joke at Arsenal these days
But can he do keep-ups after receiving a dreadful pass by Papa on a cold night at stoke, under pressure surrounded by goblins and orcs? I guess not!
I give you number one now. Leno did mistakes akways and i think you are better than him(Leno) The team will change soon.
Arsenal second team is betterthan the first team.
Martinez and all player of second team might be number one soon.
Aubameyang says hi.
Don’t see that happening soon. Leno’s been excellent and kept us in with 2 great saves against United.
Great attitude
I can’t remember the last time that Arsenal had two keepers that filled me with confidence.
It’s a great problem to have.
Probably seaman manninger to be honest. We’ve had good keepers since but not a duo that we’d be confident in
yeah it’s the defence in front that’s the issue. and the manager on top
I prefer Emi to Leno, he seems to communicate better with the defence and give them more confidence, his distribution is far better, and his quick-thinking sets up off on counters. He’s also good at saving penalties, so good for us in the cup competitions. Leno is a good shot stopper, but after all the years of watching Emi develop I’m really rooting for him this season.
Hes also 6’4 which isn’t anything to forget.
Once we had the likes of Alumunia, Fabianski, Minnone and still refused to sign a decent GK…
Hopefully the way our GK and attacking options have improved significantly, the defense will get a facelift and that will bring the glory days back..
COYG!
“That’s the dream. I said to my dad that I’m going to do it and I won’t stop until I’m No 1 for Argentina.”
Considering the likes of Gnabry and Schezney (mispelt I’m sure) had similar levels of self belief and then went on to walk the walk, well, I am not going to doubt this guy. I hope he does not become one who got away.
Leno has definitely grown into our team though. It won’t be easy to displace him but I like that he is up for the challenge. Need more players like this
Pochettino to Arsenal?
He really hasn’t won anything yet, has he??? ?
Are you David Levy in disguise trying to get rid of him?