Petr Cech gives verdict on Emi Martinez after mixed start at Chelsea
Petr Cech has spoken very highly of Emiliano Martinez despite the goalkeeper not fully convincing at Chelsea.
Chelsea signed Martinez from Aston Villa in the summer with high expectations. After all of Robert Sanchez’s costly errors, there was hope that Martinez would be Chelsea’s saviour.
However, while it is still early days, the Argentine has been anything but. Martinez has made some good saves in a Chelsea shirt, but there have been some unconvincing moments.
For example, the 34-year-old was beaten at his near post as Kai Havertz equalised for Arsenal in their 2-1 win over Xabi Alonso’s side. It was the kind of mistake that Sanchez was hounded out for.
Even so, Cech is still a fan of the goalkeeper, hailing him as a “born winner”. The Chelsea legend also thinks he can be a really good example for young shot-stopper Mike Penders.
Chelsea signed more experienced players this summer to get SERIOUS! What impact has it made on the team so far? 🤔
In an interview on Canal+ Sport, Cech said: “I think that the solution Robert Sanchez to leave and get regular playing time at his new club will only benefit him. If Emi Martinez were brought in and Robert had to sit on the bench, it would have frustrated him.
“The young talent Penders remains at the club, and he now has a dream mentor. He can now watch someone who won the World Cup in every training session. Emi is a born winner, battle-tested. He’s achieved phenomenal things in the last four years. I consider this arrangement to be great balance. As for Robert, unfortunately, he lacked consistency.”
Martinez has by no means been the worst player in Chelsea’s backline. As a whole, the Blues’ defence has been poor.
Chelsea should not sell Levi Colwill, but there is no denying that he has been one of the main culprits. The 23-year-old has really struggled playing on the left side of a back three. That is something that may have to change after this international break.
As for Martinez, you would still back him to come good, especially once the rest of the defence start performing better. The World Cup winner is suffering from having to face so many shots every week.
And in the future, Penders could replace Martinez in goal. The 21-year-old has made some quality saves in the couple of appearances he has made in the Carabao Cup this season.
Penders recently picked up an injury while on international duty with Belgium, but hopefully it is nothing too serious.
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