Skip to main content

Who is Emiliano Martinez’s Ideal Replacement in Argentina

Image
By

 


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.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Top players who failed in both Real Madrid and Barcelona

By
  Several top players had attempted to thrive in both Real Madrid and Barcelona in their careers but failed. Real Madrid and Barcelona are undoubtedly two of the most famous elite clubs in the world. Thus, a chance to play in either one or even both of them is too good to turn down. Such would not only improve their career but also their level of performance, winning mentality, and even exposure. Some players managed to shine in one of them, whereas a few were even able to thrive on both sides. The likes of Ronaldo Luiz Nazario, Luis Figo, and Michael Laudrup are the perfect example of the latter. Unfortunately, some others have not succeeded in neither team, despite having the rare opportunity to play for both La Liga powerhouses in a star-studded squad. Here are several top players who had failed stints in both Santiago Bernabeu and Camp Nou. Two of them were even considered legendary figures in their home soil and Eastern Europe. Alfonso Perez Alfonso Perez was one of ...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Best African Goalkeepers in European Major Leagues

By
  Several African goalkeepers have managed to thrive in European top leagues with either silverware or individual accolades plus sealing their first choice spot. African goalkeepers have been able to gain more opportunities in European major leagues. Some have even been playing for the elite sides and won major trophies. However, not many of them were able to stay for long and have consistent form.  This season, Manchester United shot stopper, Andre Onana, is undoubtedly one of the best African goalkeepers in UEFA’s major leagues. The Red Devils are his third big club in his career. Previously, he was the key man in Ajax Amsterdam and Inter Milan.  Unfortunately, his stint to Old Trafford has been more notorious for his number of crucial errors. Onana’s future as the number one between the sticks is once again under threat following the series of his below par form leading to his team's defeats. Manchester United has been reportedly eyeing for a new goalie for next ...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Overlooked Notable Winter Transfers in Major European Leagues 2023/24

By
  A number of notable winter transfers in five top European leagues this season involving well-known players may have gone unnoticed. The winter transfers in major European leagues were completed on February 1. Several big names have made moves to save their futures, revive their careers, or simply look for more minutes on the pitch. The winter transfer window is the best opportunity for clubs to sign players who can make an immediate impact as the season progresses. Unfortunately, such is quite tricky. Some clubs succeed, while others may not. The January transfer window also allows clubs to sign players who have either been bench warmers, such as England international Kalvin Phillips, or have failed to live up to expectations, such as Italian forward Andrea Belotti. Certain clubs also look for additional names in the squad, sometimes on loan , to provide more competition or to cover for players who have been sidelined for an extended period of time or are absent due to their ...
Post a Comment
Read more