World's best goalkeeper?
- Published
A Liverpool related question was put to chief footballer writer Phil McNulty in Monday's Q&A.
Chris asked: Aston Villa fans constantly sing that goalkeeper Emi Martinez is “the world’s number one”. Do you reckon he is?
Phil answered: Here’s a loaded question. Simple answer – no I don’t. I think Martinez is an outstanding goalkeeper and who can argue with Villa fans believing he is the best given his form for them and the fact he was vital to Argentina winning the World Cup in Qatar in 2022?
Going back even further, I still remember his brilliant performance when Arsenal beat Chelsea to win the FA Cup in 2020. I was actually surprised they sold him to Villa. In my opinion, Liverpool’s Alisson Becker is “the world’s number one”. He has been so vital to Liverpool’s success and a game-changer since his arrival in 2018. He is remarkably consistent, relatively understated – although he would wish to avoid the injuries that have troubled him in the last couple of seasons. I think Martinez is a superb keeper, but I would place Alisson Becker ahead of him. Just.