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

The European Elite Teams’ Banter Era in Modern Football

By
  Each of Europe's elite teams has their own 'banter era' in modern football, during which they failed to win any prestigious titles. The 'Banter Era' is defined as a period in which a football team goes through difficult years without winning a notable top title, such as a league title or a continental top flight championship. In this era, teams consistently underperform, producing disappointing results and campaigns. In Europe, almost all elite sides and the powerhouses in the top five league, have experienced such a ‘dark age’, except perhaps Bayern Munich. Some clubs managed to end it before deteriorating , whereas others had to struggle for years before finally putting an end to their misery. Recently, more than one elite clubs have found themselves in the midst of such an unwanted era. Italian giant, Juventus, French side, Olympique Marseille, the Dutch powerhouse, Ajax Amsterdam and last but not least, the once great side, Manchester United. Among those...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Best Champions League Debutant Teams from European Top Five

By
  Only a small number of debutante sides from the European major league managed to progress to the latter stage in the UCL history. Competing in the Champions League has always been the target for all teams in the continent. Let alone the top sides, which is a definite aim for each and every season. No wonder that it is never easy for the elite clubs in the top major leagues to secure one berth in UCL.  However, such is not impossible. This season, three unlikely teams are making their Champions League debut. Bologna, Stade Brestois, and Girona are set to make one of the biggest steps in their history this week. They have eight games to prove whether they deserve to be in this most prestigious continental tournament.  In UCL history, only three teams have been able to reach further stages in the competition in their first appearance. One of them was even able to progress to the final four. Here are those three notable debutantes in UEFA’s number one club championshi...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Managers Taking Charge of the Rival Sides in International Football

By
  Only a few managers who have been up to the rare challenge in taking charge of the rival side of their own nations in international football. Being the manager of your own national team would undoubtedly be an incredible experience for a coach. The pride of leading one's own country to an international major tournament is irreplaceable. However, fate can be cruel at times, and the opportunity to lead a rival nation arises before your own. Such is difficult, but for someone who is unattached, it is simply too good to pass up. This is what happens to Thomas Tuchel. The former Chelsea, Bayern Munich, PSG, and Dortmund manager was recently appointed by the FA as Gareth Southgate 's successor. He is the best available candidate and a proven winner for his team, which matches the desired profile. The only flaw in him is that he is German, England's long-time rival on and off the pitch . Fortunately, such rivalry is no longer an issue in modern era, despite their conflict in...
Post a Comment
Read more