Argentina star Dibu Martinez displays on his second as world’s finest goalkeeper and Messi as a task mannequin

Few goalkeepers have been in a position to keep the identical stage of efficiency as Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez, who has impressed each with the Argentina nationwide workforce and Aston Villa. The goalkeeper opened up about his present kind, discussing his standing as the most effective on the earth in his place and the way Lionel Messi serves as a task mannequin.

Martinez solidified his fame after the 2022 World Cup, being named the most effective goalkeeper by France Soccer (Ballon d’Or organizers) and FIFA (successful The Finest award). He continued this success into 2024. In an interview with Telefe’s Sofia Martinez, the goalkeeper shared how he handles this nice second in his profession:

“I attempt to hold working with my psychologist and inform myself: ‘I’m a world champion, and I’ve received 4 Golden Gloves: 2 The Finest and a pair of Yashin as the most effective goalkeeper on the earth.‘ On the membership, we’re generally susceptible defensively. I come right here to the nationwide workforce and wish to hold a clear sheet as a result of I’m near Romero’s report, and I wish to surpass it,” Martinez defined.

The goalkeeper doubled down on his ideas, emphasizing that he sees no rival at this second in his profession: “I attempt to discover one thing to push myself additional. I’ve already surpassed every part I wished, every part. Now, I’m lacking issues that push me to struggle in opposition to myself. These days, it’s Dibu vs. Dibu as a result of I’ve reached the highest. How do I struggle in opposition to that? It’s laborious to achieve the highest, however when you get there, you suppose, ‘Nicely, what do I do now?‘”

Martínez additionally spoke about Messi, who continues to be an instance of resilience and striving for extra. “The perfect instance is Leo. I’ve him, and he retains pushing himself even after successful 37 Ballon d’Ors. Why ought to I relaxation if I can do extra?,” the goalkeeper jokingly mentioned.

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Whereas The Finest and Lev Yashin awards may not but carry the identical historic weight as older accolades, it’s clear that Martinez has maintained an distinctive stage of play that has benefitted each Argentina and Aston Villa with him in purpose.

Martinez and the potential of a 3rd award

Martinez’s 4 Golden Glove trophies have change into a historic achievement in latest soccer historical past. Along with his wins in 2022 and 2024, he turned the one goalkeeper to win two FIFA The Finest Goalkeeper awards and two Lev Yashin awards—accomplishments that Thibaut Courtois, Manuel Neuer, Ederson Moraes, and Alisson Becker couldn’t obtain. Now, Martínez might be eyeing much more.

Regardless of sitting ninth within the Premier League, Aston Villa are nonetheless alive within the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. With no worldwide tournaments just like the World Cup, EUROs, or Copa America on the horizon, if the English facet makes a deep run within the competitors, Martinez may as soon as once more discover himself in rivalry for a 3rd The Finest award as the most effective goalkeeper.