Aston Villa were held to a goalless draw at Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday, and they have goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to largely thank for securing a hard-fought point. Martinez made nine saves, denying the hosts with his reflexes and athleticism, and Villa can count themselves lucky for landing such a quality goalie last summer. Playing in the Champions League will definitely be appealing to Martinez, and Crooks has told him to seek playing in the elite European competition elsewhere if he cannot achieve the aim at Villa. “The Argentine is looking every bit a top-four keeper and if he can’t achieve it with Villa I suggest he does it with someone else,” Crooks told the BBC. In other news, Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has told England manager Gareth Southgate to look at Villa’s summer signing.

Source: BBC February 16, 2021 07:52 UTC