Emi Martinez, a reported switch goal for Manchester United, has been honoured in uncommon style for his position in Argentina's World Cup win. The Aston Villa goalkeeper was recognised by FIFA for his efforts in Qatar, however he can now depend a fossilised frog named in his honour amongst his profession achievements.

Martinez is a late bloomer even for a goalkeeper, however he has made up for misplaced time since changing into a family identify following years on the fringes at Arsenal. The 6ft 5in stopper was on mortgage at Rotherham United again in 2015, barely managing to nail down a beginning spot anyplace till becoming a member of Villa three years in the past.

Now reportedly wished by United, Tottenham and others, Martinez was named the world's finest goalkeeper by FIFA after taking part in an important position in Argentina's beautiful World Cup win late final yr.

The 30-year-old saved two penalties in a semi-final shoot-out victory over the Netherlands, and his last-gasp cease to disclaim Randal Kolo Muani within the last was dubbed by some as the best save of all time.

Martinez continues to obtain plaudits in his homeland, and a bunch of palaeontologists have determined to call a prehistoric frog in his honour. The fossil of a creature which as soon as held a bony protect to defend itself in opposition to predators was lately discovered 70 miles south of Mendoza.

"It reminded us of Emi because he was like a shield defending the goal of the national team," stated palaeontologist Guillermo Fidel Turazzini.

Tottenham and Chelsea are additionally reported to be within the combine, with Hugo Lloris and Kepa Arrizabalaga every going through unsure futures. It was beforehand thought that Villa might discover it robust to maintain maintain of Martinez this summer season, however they nailed down a seventh-place Premier League end on the ultimate day to seal Europa Conference League qualification.

The goalkeeper, born in Mar del Plata, spent an entire decade on Arsenal's books however solely made 38 first-team appearances, and the overwhelming majority of these got here in his last marketing campaign.