Aston Villa already have their Emiliano Martinez replacement

Cameron Smith

18 Mar 2024 11:04 CDT
4 min read

Emiliano Martinez, Aston Villa, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Emiliano Martinez is one of the world’s best goalkeepers and he has played a key role in Aston Villa’s incredible 2023-24 season so far.

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Unai Emery’s side are currently fourth in the Premier League table and are on course to qualify for the Champions League if things stay as they are, although they failed to capitalise on Tottenham Hotspur’s loss versus Fulham with a 1-1 draw against West Ham United on Sunday.

Martinez has kept six league clean sheets so far this season and there are no plans to replace him in between the sticks at Villa Park.

The World Cup winner still has several years at the top level, given he is only 31 years old, but a contingency plan would be a smart idea given the transfer interest in Martinez over the past few years.

Martinez has previously been linked with Chelsea, however it’s unlikely he leaves Villa for Stamford Bridge considering the Blues’ form this season.

Regardless, the idea of signing a new goalkeeper may become a prevalent one in the coming weeks.

However, Villa don’t need to dip into the transfer market for their Martinez replacement.

That is because 19-year-old academy star Oliwier Zych is currently starring on loan at Ekstraklasa club Puszcza Niepolomice in his native Poland.

Oliwier Zych - Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez replacement

According to xCG, Oliwier Zych prevented 2.59 goals in his last three Ekstraklasa games.

Simply superb in recent weeks.

The 19-year-old Aston Villa loanee is doing very well in his home country.

High-quality young goalkeeper. 🇵🇱 pic.twitter.com/tH0NVuv5PU
— Football Talent Scout - Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) March 18, 2024

Puszcza Niepolomice are currently in the relegation zone in the Polish top flight, but the Villa loanee has performed admirably this campaign and his form has been immaculate over the past few weeks.

As per renowned X account FTalentScout, Zych has prevented 2.59 goals more than expected during his last three matches. During that time, Puszcza Niepolomice have picked up two draws and one defeat, but they would’ve almost certainly lost all three if it wasn’t for Zych.

He may not be the most high-profile name, but Zych is emerging into a top-class young goalkeeper and could become Aston Villa’s long-term Martinez replacement.