Aston Villa star makes Emi Martinez's future clear after missing opening game

Marco Bizot may have kept a clean sheet on his Aston Villa debut but the summer signing knows his role this season is to be Emi Martinez’s helping hand.

First-choice stopper Martinez served a one-match ban incurred at the end of last season against Newcastle, allowing Bizot to make a solid start. But the Dutchman, 34, is under no illusions that he will operate as understudy to one of the world ’s best goalkeepers.

“I know what I’m here for, I know my role.” Bizot said. “I’m here to support him and get him as well to the highest level possible, to push him.

“I try to learn from him and I think we’ve had a really good relationship from day one. I think we can work well together and, for me, it is a pleasure to work with him. I’m going to try and push him as much as possible.”

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Bizot served as undisputed No1 at former clubs Brest and AZ Alkmaar but is happy to slot into the deputy spot.

And he has already hit it off with Martinez, who appears set to remain despite plenty of transfer speculation earlier this summer.

Bizot added of Martinez’s influence: “Every goalkeeper has his own style, his own ways and experiences. I have a lot, he has a lot and if I want to learn, I look at him, what he is doing, how he behaves and moves, his technique.

“He’s the one who has for a couple of years been the top goalkeeper in the world. It’s a pleasure to see what he does.

“He’s brilliant. He’s a good guy, we can work well together. It’s just the beginning because I’ve only just got here but it’s absolutely great to work. Now, we have to keep going.”

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