Emiliano Martinez appears to be approaching a crucial turning point in his Aston Villa career, despite the club enjoying a strong season in domestic and European competitions.

Villa currently sit third in the Premier League and have reached the Europa League last 16, but the Argentina goalkeeper has come under increasing scrutiny following several high-profile mistakes. Martinez, a 2022 World Cup winner and two-time Yashin Trophy recipient, failed to secure a much-anticipated move to Manchester United last summer, a development many believe has affected his form.

The 33-year-old marked his 200th Premier League appearance for Villa in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Newcastle, having kept 59 clean sheets for the club. However, he has committed three errors leading directly to goals this season, the highest by any Premier League goalkeeper. Notable mistakes came against Liverpool, Arsenal and Everton, each proving costly.

Statistically, Martinez remains among the league’s top performers, boasting the highest save percentage at 76.1 percent and ranking fifth in goals prevented. Yet doubts persist over his consistency, compounded by late withdrawals from matches and a recent calf injury that sidelined him in Villa’s Europa League win at Fenerbahce.

Signed for £17 million in 2020, Martinez is under contract until 2029 but has been linked with Inter Milan. Villa are expected to review his future in the summer, with Dutch goalkeeper Marco Bizot providing experienced cover but not seen as a long-term replacement.

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson said confidence is vital for goalkeepers and suggested speculation over a potential move may have unsettled Martinez. While Unai Emery continues to back him as Villa’s first choice, a clearer resolution is likely in the coming months.

With inputs from BBC