Key Takeaways:
- Emi Martinez has been removed from the Aston Villa vice-captain role, with Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, and Ollie Watkins taking on deputy responsibilities
- John McGinn remains the primary captain, while Martinez continues as first-choice goalkeeper
- On Thursday, Konsa wore the armband as Villa secured a 2-0 Europa League victory over Maccabi Tel-Aviv
A Shift in Leadership at Villa Park
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has instigated a notable leadership restructure by opting to remove Emi Martinez from the vice-captaincy. The Argentine goalkeeper, who has served as John McGinn’s deputy since July 2022 under Steven Gerrard, now finds himself behind a group of English teammates, including Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, and Ollie Watkins, in the leadership hierarchy.
Martinez, aged 33, entered the current campaign amidst transfer speculation, having anticipated a deadline-day move to Manchester United. His future uncertainty led to his omission from the squad for Villa’s defeat to Crystal Palace on September 31, though he has featured in every Premier League fixture since.
Unai Emery has confirmed that Emiliano Martinez is no longer Aston Villa's vice-captain after a different player deputised for John McGinn on Thursday night.
The Argentina star, 33, has been the go-to player to lead the Villans whenever captain McGinn has not been on the pitch.… pic.twitter.com/hVmEXNqodl
— Daily Mail Sport (@MailSport) November 7, 2025
Emery Explains New Leadership Structure
The reshuffle became apparent when, with skipper McGinn rested for Thursday’s 2-0 Europa League win over Maccabi Tel-Aviv, Konsa donned the captain’s armband in Martinez’ place. After the match, Emery clarified the decision: “The first captain is John McGinn. We decided how we are, as well as managing the next captain. Usually, we have another captain, Emi Martinez, as second captain. But now, after speaking with him, I prefer to get him back. Konsa is the next one. Tyrone Mings, with Ollie Watkins too. Normally, we are managing it like that.”
This new structure sees Martinez’ role reduced, while the three English outfield players have stepped up as deputies behind McGinn.
Martinez’ Position and Form
Although Martinez was seen waving to supporters at the conclusion of last season, he remains committed to Villa after signing a long-term contract last August, which still has nearly four years to run.
So far in the league, Martinez has conceded seven goals from eight matches – a figure somewhat higher than his 5.5 post-shot expected goals against (PSxG), implying that he has allowed more goals than underlying statistics predict. For the 2024/25 season, he was marginally outperforming expectations, while the previous campaign saw him amongst the division’s standout goalkeepers, with almost seven goals prevented according to PSxG rates.
Upcoming Fixtures and International Duty
Aston Villa are set to take on Bournemouth on Sunday prior to the international break. Following club duties, Martinez will rejoin Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina squad as preparations begin for the USA next summer.
