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Who is Emiliano Martinez’s Ideal Replacement in Argentina

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Argentina are bound to decide Emiliano Martinez’s ideal replacement for the two fixtures in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers this week.

Emiliano Martinez made headlines again with his quirk controversy in last month’s games at the World Cup qualifiers. He reportedly hit the journalist after Argentina’s loss to Colombia, leading to his two-game suspension. Consequently, he will not be available for these coming matches versus Venezuela and Bolivia.

The Aston Villa shotstopper has cemented his place as the number one goalie in Albiceleste after helping them win Copa America 2021. He even went on winning the FIFA Best Goalkeeper awards in 2022 following his superb form in the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup. Unfortunately, he is also known for his controversial demeanour on the pitch, from his antics in the penalty shootout to the World Cup victory celebration.

Martinez’s quirks were finally brought to justice, resulting in his suspension. Such has left Lionel Scaloni in a limited choice to find Dibu’s proper replacement. All of his understudies, Geronimo Rulli, Juan Musso, and Walter Benitez, are only capped at less than five and aged 30 or above. Scaloni might need to consider finding younger talents in the national team pool for Dibu’s long-term successor. So, who is actually Emiliano Martinez’s ideal replacement for these upcoming games? Here is the comparison among them.

Geronimo Rulli (Marseille)

The current OM shotstopper is the most experienced one, although he has only earned four caps so far. Rulli was part of the squad in two Olympic editions, Rio de Janeiro 2016 and Paris 2024. Sadly, he failed in both as Argentina U23 were unable to reach further stages.

The 32-year-old goalkeeper has been a mainstay in Roberto de Zerbi’s team. Despite only making one clean sheet in seven games, he was named the man of the match once in a 3-2 away win over Lyon. The former Villareal, Ajax, and Real Sociedad man excels in reflexes and positioning, including saving a penalty. He was also the key man when The Yellow Submarine won the Europa League in 2021. He converted one penalty and saved one in the shootout.

Rulli is probably the closest figure to Dibu, with less controversy. This is most likely his best shot for him to step up and demonstrate his quality. The only thing lacks in him is the ability to make crucial saves in a critical moment and leadership in the backline. Such are what makes Dibu better, which is necessary in big games like the tournament finals.

Juan Musso (Atletico Madrid)

The Atalanta loanee is currently playing for Atletico Madrid this season, but only as a second fiddle to Jan Oblak. Musso has only made one appearance with Los Rojiblancos. Such is in contrast to his form last season, as he was instrumental in helping La Dea clinch their first ever continental trophy, the Europa League. The 30-year-old goalkeeper featured in 12 out of 13 games in the competition but only made five clean sheets last season. On the international stage, he has only been capped twice so far.

Musso’s chance to get a nod in the starting XI is fairly slim. He has less experience in big games than Rulli and played in such limited time with his new club. The former Udinese man needs to convince his boss, Diego Simeone, to play more regularly before cementing his place as Albiceleste’s second choice.

Walter Benitez (PSV Eindhoven)

The 31-year-old goalie with French citizenship is probably the underrated one among the three. He has just made one appearance with Albiceleste and received a call-up later than expected despite his top form with Ligue 1 side, OGC Nice. Benitez was once awarded the Goalkeeper of the Year by France Football magazine in 2019 after making 16 clean sheets in 35 Ligue 1 games.

The former Quilmes man eventually made his international debut in March 2024 against Costa Rica. The shot stopper with Paraguayan descent is currently playing for PSV Eindhoven, where he finally could enjoy the silverwares, with the league title and KNVB Cup in hand. Benitez excels in reflexes and denying close-range shots but seems to be struggling while cutting crosses and saving long-range shots. Such are things he needs to improve to compete better with Rulli and Musso.

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