“Arsenal’s decision to part ways with a key player for just £17 million has come under scrutiny, as the player in question has now surpassed both Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard in the 2023 Ballon d’Or rankings. This revelation comes from Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira, who asserts that the club erred in carelessly allowing this prominent player to depart, and that he has achieved a higher ranking than any current Arsenal player.
The player in question, Emiliano Martinez, who is now the goalkeeper for Aston Villa, has made significant strides in his career since his departure from Arsenal three years ago. His initial season at Villa saw him as the primary goalkeeper, keeping 14 clean sheets and marking his return to European football. However, it’s his international success that has been most remarkable, as he became Argentina’s undisputed number one goalkeeper and played a pivotal role in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory in Qatar.
As a result of his outstanding performances, Martinez secured the 15th spot in the Ballon d’Or 2023 rankings, surpassing his former Arsenal teammate Bukayo Saka, who was ranked 24th. Arsenal’s captain, Martin Odegaard, finished 28th in the rankings, despite his impressive record of 15 goals and eight assists for the team, which narrowly missed out on the Premier League title.
Martinez’s emergence as a footballing force is a testament to his determination. He struggled to establish himself as Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper and often played as a reserve or went on loan. However, his move to Villa provided the platform he needed to showcase his talents. His penalty saves and stoppage-time heroics during the World Cup solidified his place in Argentine football history.”
In summary, Arsenal’s decision to sell Emiliano Martinez for a relatively low fee has been called into question, as he has gone on to achieve significant success, outperforming current Arsenal players in the Ballon d’Or rankings.
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