United News of Bangladesh

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

Goalkeeper of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 winning Argentine team, Emiliano Martinez, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the latter's office today (July 03, 2023).  During the meeting, the PM appreciated the Argentine footballer for his stellar performance that contributed to Argentina lifting the Football World Cup 2022 trophy.  Martinez presented a signed Argentine jersey to the PM during their meeting. "You are the man who brought glory for Argentina. I wish you all the success," she was quoted as saying. Messi mania grips Argentina in 1st match as World Cup champs PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting. Sheikh Hasina said football is the most popular sport in the world and Bangladeshis are passionate about it. She mentioned that her family is also a sports-loving one. "My father and grandfather were footballers," she said. The premier said her government has been constructing upazila-level mini-stadiums across Bangladesh to promote football and other sports. Read more: Indonesia to Host Argentina In a Friendly Football Match on June 2023 Emiliano Martinez, the Golden Gloves winner of FIFA World Cup 2022, was overwhelmed after learning of Bangladesh's huge fanbase. "I'm very happy to be here and happy to know about the passion for football among Bangladeshis," he said. Indian organizer and sports promoter Satadru Dutta and personal manager of Martinez, Santiago Liotta, are among the visiting delegation members. LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Md Tazul Islam, PM's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman, State Minister for LGRD and Cooperatives Swapan Bhattacharjee, State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam, PM's Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah, Sheikh Helal Uddin MP and Sheikh Tonmoy MP were present at the meeting between PM Hasina and star Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Read more: Messi mania grips Argentina in 1st match as World Cup champs