Argentina Faces Challenge of Playing Without Keeper Dibu Martínez

Argentina’s national football team is preparing for an upcoming friendly match against Angola in Luanda. Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez, the team’s goalkeeper and key player, will not participate in this match. His absence has raised questions as he has been a consistent presence in the squad for over four years.

Key Player Absence: Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez

Dibu Martínez, who plays for Aston Villa, has established himself as the starting goalkeeper since his debut in June 2021. This debut came during a qualifying match against Chile. He played a crucial role in Argentina’s Copa América triumph in Brazil in 2021.

Impact of Martínez’s Absence

At 33 years old, Martínez has earned 57 international caps, with 40 matches played without conceding a goal. His last absence from the national team occurred in October 2024, when he missed the games against Venezuela and Bolivia due to a suspension.

In his place, Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni has enlisted two alternate goalkeepers: Gerónimo Rulli from Olympique de Marseille and Walter Benítez from Crystal Palace. They will compete for the opportunity to showcase their skills in this friendly match.

Goalkeeping Contenders

• Gerónimo Rulli: At 33 years old, he has played six matches for Argentina, serving as a substitute for Martínez in the recent qualifiers.
• Walter Benítez: Aged 32, he has one cap, which he earned during a friendly against Costa Rica in March 2024.

This upcoming match against Angola is significant. It provides these goalkeepers a chance to prove their capability, especially with the World Cup approaching in 2026, where Argentina aims to defend its title.

Coach Scaloni’s Strategy

Scaloni has indicated that this friendly match is an opportunity to test the squad before the World Cup. He emphasized the importance of allowing younger players to step up in Martínez’s absence. The friendly also represents the final match of the year for Argentina, with limited opportunities to adjust the team before the championship.

While Dibu Martínez focuses on resting in his hometown of Mar del Plata, the rest of the team prepares for the challenges ahead. With the World Cup on the horizon, the performance of the alternate goalkeepers will be closely monitored.