'I played for Liverpool and Aston Villa - this is why Emiliano Martinez is better than Alisson'

Peter Crouch believes , with the former Liverpool striker placing him ahead of .

Martinez won the Yashin Trophy for the second year running at the Ballon d’Or ceremony last month after helping Argentina to another trophy on the international stage during the summer. The 32-year-old added a second Copa America winner’s medal to his collection, having also played a starring role in his country’s World Cup triumph in 2022.

Alisson, though, is still considered by many to be the world’s best goalkeeper, especially by fans. The Brazilian is .

But when he is fit, Alisson has proven himself to be one of Liverpool’s most important players. Crouch, who played for both Liverpool and Villa during his playing career, believes Martinez edges him out at the moment, though.

"He [Martinez] is so good,” Crouch told . “He can be the pantomime villain at times, but he makes great saves.

“He is a huge personality and I always liked playing with goalkeepers like him, who are commanding in the box. He is more than a goalkeeper who makes saves, he is a personality. And I think that is huge to have in your squad.

"I would say he is the best in the world on the evidence I have seen in the last two years. He has won World Cups, and Villa haven't challenged for the title, but they have taken huge strides and he has been instrumental."

Despite Crouch’s glowing praise, Martinez couldn’t prevent Villa from falling to its first defeat in this season’s Champions League. The Argentine was involved in a bizarre incident as Club Brugge was awarded a penalty after Tyrone Mings picked the ball up in his own penalty area, not realizing that Martinez had taken a goal kick.

Hans Vanaken converted the resultant spot-kick, with Villa unable to find a response, leaving Liverpool as the only remaining side with a 100 percent winning record in the Champions League this season.

Liverpool.com says: When he’s fit, there is absolutely no doubt that Alisson is the best goalkeeper in the world. That’s been the problem over the last year or so though, actually getting him out onto the pitch. If Liverpool can keep him fit for the rest of the season, and continue their current form, the Brazilian will surely be in the running for the Yashin Trophy next year.