Emi Martinez praises Noah Atubolu before Europa League final

Emiliano Martinez had some good words about Noah Atubolu before Aston Villa’s Europa League final against SC Freiburg on Wednesday. The World Cup winner is targeting his first trophy with the club he joined in 2020.

The 33-year-old likened the situation to what he went through with his national team. “I went into my first Copa América without seeing Argentina win a trophy. This is the same. I believe in my team and in myself. I never go into the final thinking that I have to win it. I always go and enjoy the moment, and I do it for the people, and I do it for my family.”

The two-time Golden Glove winner has a reputation for saving penalty-kicks in crucial moments. However, he pointed out Atubolu’s similar record in an interview before the game. The 23-year-old has saved the last five Bundesliga penalties he has faced, and he denied Rodrigo Zalazar in the semi-final against Braga.

“Their goalkeeper (Atubolu) is pretty good, so I will have to push myself even harder,” said the Argentine about a possible penalty-kick shootout. “It’s always on my mind. I will be fully prepared, and I will back myself every day of the week for that shootout.”

Martinez was also asked about Freiburg’s set-piece threat. The controversial figure responded by citing the time Argentina beat Colombia (“they scored 85% of their goals from set pieces”) in the Copa America final. “I know Freiburg are very good at it. If I control and command my box like I have to, it’s a major threat that I avoid from them. Hopefully, tomorrow I can stand out in that area.”