Edwin Van der Sar belittled Dibu Martínez and sparked controversy

Legendary goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has sparked controversy with his comments about Emiliano Martinez, making it clear that, in his opinion, the Argentine shot-stopper is not among the top ten goalkeepers in the world today. Speaking to Goal Español, the Dutchman was blunt:

"I don’t think Emiliano Martinez is in the Top 10 best goalkeepers in the world right now. For penalties, sure. He is in the Top 20, yes."

Van der Sar’s words have ignited debate in the football world, as Martinez is widely regarded as a key figure for the Argentina national team, playing a decisive role in their triumphs at the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 Copa America. Moreover, his performances for Aston Villa have made him one of the club’s most important players, helping them compete at the highest level in Europe.

Although the former United keeper acknowledged Martinez’s excellence in penalty shootouts, he dismissed him from the elite group of top goalkeepers. This statement contrasts with the recognition the Argentine has received in recent years, including winning The Best award for the best goalkeeper of 2022.

Throughout his career, Dibu has proven his ability to rise to the occasion, especially in high-pressure situations. His heroics in the World Cup final against France, with that crucial save against Kolo Muani and his outstanding performance in the penalty shootout, cemented his reputation as one of the finest of his generation.

However, Van der Sar appears unconvinced about his overall level in regular play. Many believe that Martinez’s displays in the Premier League and for Argentina place him among the very best, but the former Ajax and Juventus keeper has a different perspective.

This statement fuels the ongoing debate over the best goalkeepers in the world and whether Dibu truly deserves a spot in the Top 10. Is this just a personal opinion from Van der Sar, or are there really more than ten goalkeepers better than the Argentine?