“Dibu was a quiet goalkeeper; he was not what he’s now” - Otamendi highlights moment when Emi Martinez ‘changed completely’ for Argentina
Argentina centre-back Nicolas Otamendi has talked about the transformation of Emiliano Martinez from a 'quiet goalkeeper'. The Aston Villa custodian made his Albiceleste debut just before the 2021 Copa America and hasn't looked back since then.
Martinez, 31, played a key role in his team's triumphant campaign in Brazil, keeping four clean sheets, including one against the hosts in the final, as La Albiceleste ended their 28-year major-title drought.
Since then, Martinez has helped the Albiceleste to three more titles, the latest one being the 2024 Copa America in the United States earlier this month. Lionel Scaloni's side beat Colombia 1-0 in extra time to win a record 16th Copa title, becoming the first back-to-back Copa champions since Chile (2015-16).
Reflecting on the change in 'Dibu' Martinez since the win over Colombia on penalties in the 2021 Copa America semis, Otamendi said (Raadiolared via Roy Nemer):
"Dibu was a quiet goalkeeper. He was not what he is now. Starting from the match vs. Colombia (at the 2021 Copa America), he changed completely, we found another version of him."
Quite impressively, Martinez has twice the number of titles (4) than defeats with the Albiceleste.
How has Emiliano Martinez fared for Argentina?
Emiliano Martinez has a superb record with Argentina. Having made his debut only three years ago, the 31-year-old has kept an impressive 33 shutouts in 45 appearances across competitions.
After keeping five clean sheets in eight qualifying games for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Martinez continued that form at the finals, keeping three in seven games. Although he didn't keep one in the final against France, he produced a brilliant block to deny Randal Kolo Muani's potential winner at the death.
In the ensuing shootout, he saved one spot-kick as Scaloni's side won the World Cup for the first time in 36 years, third overall. Just before the tournament, Martinez had kept a clean sheet in the 3-0 Finalissima win over then reigning European winners Italy.
At the 2024 Copa America, Martinez was impressive once again, keeping five clean sheets in six games to win his fourth straight title with the Albiceleste, who have now won their last nine games.