Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has confirmed his loyalty to the club, expressing a desire to continue representing Villa despite interest from other teams and encouragement from his father to consider new challenges.

Since joining from Arsenal in 2020, Martinez has been a transformative figure for Villa, fortifying their defence with his commanding presence and impressive shot-stopping ability.

Martinez’s career took off at Aston Villa after struggling for playing time at Arsenal. He quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s top goalkeepers, helping Villa avoid relegation threats and steadily climb the standings.

His performances also earned him domestic recognition as well as international, winning the Copa America with Argentina in 2021 and later the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where his penalty saves were instrumental in Argentina’s triumph.

Emiliano Martinez is staying loyal to Aston Villa

Despite growing interest from other clubs, Martinez has reaffirmed his commitment to Aston Villa, crediting the club for helping him reach new heights.

Speaking to L’Equipe, he said:

“Earlier in my career, when I was on loan, I couldn’t express myself as much, although I’ve always been very mature.

“Since arriving at Aston Villa, I’ve embraced these new responsibilities. That’s why I’m staying loyal to this club, it’s allowed me to reach a higher level.”

Martinez is a born leader and his leadership traits are visible by his antics on and off the pitch. He leads the team from the back, for both the club and the country.

He further spoke about his leadership and how his managers allow him to take the charge in the dressing room.

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Martinez discusses his leadership style behind-the-scenes

“My coaches also send a lot of positive vibes, by giving the players freedom. Lionel Scaloni doesn’t intervene when the players speak, while Unai Emery likes to take the initiative. He lowers the pressure, and I always speak after him.

“Before big games, I remind the guys where they come from, the sacrifices they’ve made and the dreams they had as kids.”

“In the dressing room, I never shout, I support. I like to take the pressure from the opposing fans so that my teammates can play freely.

This will come as a big boost for Aston Villa who have become a top team under Unai Emery. They have made a fantastic start to their Champions League campaign with 3 wins out of 4 games, sitting 8th in the table, level on points with the likes of Barcelona, and Borussia Dortmund, and just one point behind 2nd placed Sporting.

The post World Cup winner wants to only play for Aston Villa despite interest from elsewhere appeared first on CaughtOffside.

England took a huge step toward Uefa Nations League promotion with a resounding 3-0 win away in Greece on Thursday.

Avenging their shock defeat at Wembley, the Three Lions put their hosts to the sword with goals from Ollie Watkins and debutant Curtis Jones, either side of an Odisseas Vlachodimos own goal forced by a Jude Bellingham shot that hit the post.

The result takes England top of the group, level on points with Greece but now boasting a better goal difference and head-to-head record.

Any sort of win against the Republic of Ireland at Wembley on Sunday will return England to League A at the first time of asking.

For now, read on for full England player ratings from a huge win in Athens.

England player ratings vs Greece: Curtis Jones ‘outstanding’ on debut

Jordan Pickford – 9/10 – Made some vital saves to preserve the win and clean sheet, while reminding everyone how important he is for England.

Kyle Walker – 6/10 – A little negative with his play, going backwards when he’d taken up some great positions. Slotted in well enough at centre-back in the second half.

Ezri Konsa – 7/10 – A solid performance, completing 100% of his passes and winning both of his contested ground duels. Brought off at half-time, presumably with an injury.

Marc Guehi – 8/10 – Tidy with the ball and made a couple of important interceptions and tackles to keep the Greeks at bay.

Rico Lewis – 8/10 – Used the ball brilliantly and popped up in some dangerous positions. Perhaps should have got himself on the scoresheet in the second half but was denied by a good save.

Conor Gallagher – 8/10 – Got through plenty of defensive work and did his best to drive England forward once he turned the ball over.

Curtis Jones – 9/10 – Absolute class on the ball and alert to any Greek counter-attacks. Misplaced just three of 68 attempted passes. Capped off an outstanding England debut with a beautifully taken goal. ‘Outstanding’ according to former England and Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie.

Noni Madueke – 8/10 – Set up Watkins’ goal with a great run and cut-back and was a menace all game, creating a match-high three chances and having five touches in the opposition box.

Jude Bellingham – 9/10 – The Greeks couldn’t handle Bellingham once he got into full flow, powering through midfield with immense force. Hit the post twice, first with a header, then with a shot from the edge of the box which hit Vlachodimos and went in. Unlucky not to be credited with a goal but did the damage.

Anthony Gordon – 6/10 – A few dangerous flashes but was more subdued than Madueke.

Ollie Watkins – 8/10 – Took his goal well and provided England with a good focal point, even if he was a little isolated at times.

Substitutes:

Lewis Hall (46′, for Konsa) – 7/10 – A solid England debut from a youngster with the potential to be his nation’s left-back for years to come.

Harry Kane (67′, for Watkins) – 7/10 – Did a lot of work off the ball, including his run to create the space for Bellingham’s shot on the second goal.

Morgan Rogers (67′, for Gordon) – 7/10 – Won’t be credited with an assist on the second goal but it was his smart pass inside to Bellingham that set England away.

Jarrod Bown (67′, for Madueke) – 7/10 – Did well in the build-up for the third goal.

Morgan Gibbs-White (79′, for Gallagher) – 7/10 – Set up Jones as England finished the job.

The post Greece 0-3 England: Player ratings as ‘outstanding’ Liverpool star enjoys perfect debut appeared first on CaughtOffside.

It isn’t just on the pitch where Aston Villa are winning this season it seems.

Unai Emery has demanded a lot of his players and of the club, but it can’t be said that his tenure at Villa Park has been anything other than a roaring success at this stage.

After all, moments like Jhon Duran’s winner over Bayern Munich will live long in the memories of Villa supporters.

Villa bring another £23m into club coffers

Although Villa saw a number of departures over the summer, the studious business off the pitch from and Monchi has earned the club another £23m.

As Football Insider note, getting the salaries of the likes of Calum Chambers, Moussa Diaby, Douglas Luiz, Cameron Archer, Tim Iroegbunam, Morgan Sanson and Viljami Sinisalo off the books saved them a monumental amount.

Players brought to the club has seen any savings ‘cut’ to the £23m figure, but what it does represent is the brilliant way of working between manager, director of football and others at the club.

In many respects it gives a blueprint for others to follow, and if the Villains can continue in the same vain for the rest of the campaign, there’s genuinely no ceiling on what they can achieve.

Villa tipped to go back in for Man United defender – Find out who here!

Clearly, it’s vital that the club keep hold of Emery and continue to accede to his wishes.

The Spaniard has shown that he has the nous and willingness to bring extended success to the club, as long as they match his ambitions.

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When one considers just how badly off the club were when Steven Gerrard was at the helm, the job that Emery has done has been shown to be quite remarkable.

Moreover, there are now good enough reasons for Europe’s best players to want to ply their trade in the Midlands.

The post High profile exits help Aston Villa to bring extra £23m into club coffers appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Despite Ruben Amorim recently arriving at Man United, there’s still unlikely to be a place for young Harry Amass in the first-team, so previous admirers of the talented teen, Aston Villa, may well decide to go back in for him.

Amass, a left-back, was playing for the U21s again earlier in the week in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy match against Huddersfield Town, and it seems that the 17-year-old is unlikely to be pushing for first-team honours anytime soon.

Aston Villa interested in Man United outcast Harry Amass

That’s because there’s a general understanding that Amorim will play with a back three, and the youngster’s style of play won’t fit into that dynamic. The Portuguese has already noted what he needs from players at the club too.

Not to mention the Red Devils are still waiting for Luke Shaw’s injury problems to clear up – though there are suggestions he should be sold – and notwithstanding that the club have cover for that area of their defence, as they’ve shown already this season.

Though Amass’ route to the first-team isn’t barred by any means, it will be difficult, and to that end, TeamTalk sources understand that Villa are likely to go back in for a player that they were beaten to signing by United back in 2023.

Aston Villa could rescue struggling Chelsea star. Find out who here!

Unai Emery has shown a willingness to develop young talent at Villa Park, and the Spaniard has certainly restored a reputation that was battered whilst he was in charge of Villa’s Premier League rivals, Arsenal.

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In 34 total career appearances (transfermarkt), Amass has yet to make any impression for Man United’s senior side, and whilst he has plenty of time on his hands in terms of his age and development, he may well feel that a move to Villa Park affords him a quicker route into senior football than if he stays at Old Trafford.

The post Villa tipped to go back in for Man Utd defender despite Amorim arrival appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arsenal and Newcastle United are among the clubs that have been scouting and monitoring Ajax midfielder Kenneth Taylor since the start of this season.

Sources close to the situation have informed CaughtOffside that the 22-year-old has been attracting plenty of interest with his strong performances this term, with Arsenal, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Napoli keeping tabs on his development.

Ajax are not keen on letting Taylor go, but CaughtOffside understands that a fee of around €35million could be enough to persuade them to sell the Netherlands international.

Taylor certainly looks like he could be ready to make the step up to playing for a bigger club, and Arsenal could be an ideal destination for him as the Gunners look in need of more bodies in the middle of the park.

Kenneth Taylor transfer: Is he the answer for Arsenal in midfield?

Arsenal have also notably been linked with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi in a report from the Independent, but there could perhaps be a case for Taylor as an alternative.

For one thing, Taylor is younger than Zubimendi, so would be a more long-term option, while at €35m he might also prove the cheaper option.

Of course, Arsenal shouldn’t be afraid to spend big money on proven players, but it could make sense that Taylor ends up being seen as the smarter long-term investment.

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Newcastle could be one to watch in this saga as well, however, and it would surely be a good idea for the Magpies to plan for the future in midfield as there’s surely no guarantee they’ll be able to hold on to a star name like Bruno Guimaraes.

NUFC also looks a tempting project that should be able to lure in top talents like Taylor, and that’s certainly also the case for this ever-improving Aston Villa side under Unai Emery.

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Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has been told to consider dropping Ollie Watkins ahead of their clash with Crystal Palace after the international break as the striker has not scored for the Birmingham club in any of their last five matches. 

Villa are currently going through a tough period of form having lost their last four matches, which has seen them drop from fourth to ninth in the Premier League standings and eliminated from the EFL Cup.

Emery’s side will look to get their campaign back on track after the international break as there are many winnable games on the horizon.

Aston Villa host Crystal Palace on November 23 and ahead of that match at Villa Park, BBC pundit Nigel Reo-Coker has advised Emery to bench Watkins so he can “regain energy and fire” ahead of the busy Christmas period of the season.

“I like Morgan Rogers in that number 10 role. You talk about, obviously, Jhon Duran, the impact he’s had coming off as a sub,” the former Villa star said on the Premier League Review show. “I still think Ollie Watkins is there. Maybe it might be time to give Ollie Watkins a little bit of a rest, just to regain that energy and that fire.”

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Should Jhon Duran replace Ollie Watkins at Aston Villa?

Watkins’ start to the season was compromised due to his participation at Euro 2024 with England this summer but after a slow start, the 28-year-old eventually returned to the form he showed throughout the 2023/24 campaign –  which attracted interest from Man United.

The striker has produced five goals and three assists across 15 matches this season but the Englishman has not gone five games without scoring.

The form of Jhon Duran will be putting pressure on Watkins but Emery should not succumb to the pressure of pundits and fans as the gap in quality between the duo is big. The Colombian’s time as a starting Aston Villa striker will come, but it should not be anytime soon.

The post Unai Emery advised by pundit to drop 8 G/A Aston Villa star for Crystal Palace clash appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester United, Tottenham and Newcastle United are reportedly among the clubs interested in a potential transfer deal for Chelsea midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

The 26-year-old only joined Chelsea from Leicester City in the summer, and initially looked like an exciting signing to follow Enzo Maresca from the King Power Stadium to Stamford Bridge.

However, it hasn’t worked out well for Dewsbury-Hall so far, and the Daily Briefing now reports that the Englishman could already be allowed to leave Chelsea.

Man Utd have also asked about ANOTHER Chelsea star…!

This has put the likes of Man Utd on alert ahead of January, and it would certainly be interesting to see if he could revive his career at Old Trafford.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall transfer: Could he be a surprise success story for Man United?

New United manager Ruben Amorim could perhaps do well to strengthen his midfield, with the ageing Christian Eriksen surely not likely to be a key player for the Red Devils for much longer.

Even if Dewsbury-Hall has been disappointing at Chelsea, it could be that he still has what it takes to make it at a top club after showing such impressive potential during his time at Leicester.

KDH was a real assist machine for Leicester in the Championship, but also previously showed his talent for them in the Premier League as well.

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Newcastle would also surely look at this as a player who could improve them in midfield, and if he’s available on loan then that would also likely be seen as a low-risk deal.

Some Chelsea fans may be disappointed, however, that Dewsbury-Hall hasn’t had more of a chance to show what he can do since joining the club in the summer.

Maresca has worked with him before, so the link-up looked like it made sense for everyone involved, but he might not want to wait around for too much longer to see if his situation can change.

The post Manchester United on alert for surprise Premier League midfielder transfer deal appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arsenal and Liverpool could reportedly be among the transfer suitors for Jonathan David as he looks almost certain to leave Lille for a reduced fee.

The Canada international has been a prolific scorer in Ligue 1 and it makes sense that he has plenty of big clubs interested in him, though it remains to be seen precisely where he could end up next.

David’s current contract with Lille expires at the end of this season, so time could be running out for the French club to cash in on him.

According to Tuttosport, Lille could accept offers in the region of €20-30m to avoid losing David on a free next summer, with Arsenal, Liverpool, Juventus and Inter Milan mentioned as possible suitors.

Meanwhile, Manchester United are also known to have shown an interest in David in recent times, according to Ben Jacobs…

Chelsea, Spurs, Manchester United and West Ham all considering a move for Lille striker Jonathan David, who is expected to be available for €25m-30m.

Spurs have had David on their radar for a year. #CFC discussed David during Graham Potter’s spell in charge.??

Chelsea also in… pic.twitter.com/gj9GWCHEOg

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) June 23, 2024

Jonathan David transfer: Who needs him most?

David might not exactly be someone at the top of many clubs’ lists, but he certainly seems like an intriguing market opportunity, hence the long list of names that have supposedly been considering him.

The 24-year-old is a clinical finisher and surely someone who could be an asset to a bigger club in a more competitive league, though it remains to be seen if he’s really the answer for someone like Man Utd right now.

The Red Devils need a major upgrade on struggling young forwards Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund, and David might not be quite enough of a step up from those two.

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Liverpool, meanwhile, might also benefit from bringing in someone more reliable than the inconsistent Darwin Nunez, though someone like Alexander Isak might be a more tempting option.

Arsenal also have some issues in attack right now, and David might take the pressure off the likes of Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz to score all the goals for Mikel Arteta’s side.

The post Arsenal, Liverpool & Man United transfer target looks almost certain to leave current club for bargain fee appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Tottenham are reportedly the latest club to show an interest in the potential transfer of Villarreal winger Alex Baena, who also has other admirers in the Premier League.

CaughtOffside recently reported on Newcastle and Aston Villa both being keen on a potential deal for Baena, who would likely cost around €65million to prise away from Villarreal.

Now a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes claims Tottenham are keen on the talented young Spaniard, and it seems there is the feeling that the player could be available if the money is right.

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou could understandably be keen to get hold of a talent like Baena, who would surely play an important role in turning the north Londoners’ season around after an inconsistent start.

ANOTHER big name being linked with Aston Villa!

Should Alex Baena join Tottenham, Newcastle or Aston Villa?

Tottenham have not really progressed as Postecoglou will have hoped, with the team currently all the way down in 10th place in the Premier League table, with five wins, one draw and five defeats from their first eleven games.

THFC can surely do better than that, so January could be a good time to improve this squad, with Baena looking like someone who could give them something a bit different in attack.

The talented 23-year-old has shown real potential during his time in La Liga, but it may be that he’d favour the likes of Newcastle and Villa over Spurs right now.

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Both Newcastle and Villa have done better than Tottenham in recent times, having both finished in the top four in the last two seasons, so Baena might see them as more tempting projects.

Still, Spurs also can’t be written off too soon, as they often put together a squad capable of challenging, so Baena could do well to continue his development there if the opportunity comes along.

The post Tottenham rival Newcastle & Aston Villa for potential €65m winger transfer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Former Liverpool star Michael Owen has admitted to being “astonished” by David Coote’s decision not to award Aston Villa a “blatant’ penalty in their 2-0 defeat to the Reds on Saturday.

Arne Slot’s men continued their impressive start to the 2024/25 campaign as the three points moved them five points clear of Man City after 11 games, following the Premier League champions’ setback against Brighton over the weekend.

However, the result at Anfield may have been different had Aston Villa defender Pau Torres been awarded a penalty in the second half.

The centre-back was seemingly dragged to the ground by Conor Bradley inside the box, moments before Mohammed Salah went and doubled Liverpool’s advantage. The Villa squad were not happy with the decision and Michael Owen believes Unai Emery’s men have a case.

Speaking post-match on Premier League Productions, Owen said via The Mirror: “It’s a penalty, you can’t do that. There’s just a blatant pull, Pau Torres is there at the front post, gets dragged out of that area with a shirt pull.

“If the ball goes to the back post and floats over everybody, then I think turning a blind to that, didn’t affect the play. That is a blatant pull. I’m astonished, once that went to VAR, astonished they didn’t give a penalty.

“I think that’s a stonewall penalty, personally. I don’t think there’s any debate in that, he literally pulls him out. It doesn’t matter if he’s pulling him for one minute or one second, he drags him out of it.”

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David Coote suspended following Liverpool vs Aston Villa clash

Liverpool vs Aston Villa may be David Coote’s last time officiating a Premier League match as the English referee has been suspended from his duties pending a full investigation after a video circulated on social media on Monday.

The footage showed the 42-year-old making disparaging remarks about Liverpool and their former manager Jürgen Klopp, which is currently being verified to see if it is genuine.

According to ESPN, there will be no further update from the PGMOL until the investigation has been completed, but Coote will be unavailable for selection as a referee or a VAR during this time as the football calendar enters an international break.

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