Emiliano Martínez: From Underdog to Alpha

Welcome to the third article in the Road to the 2022 FIFA World Cup series. The first two articles featured players from UEFA nations who qualified already, but now it’s time for the first CONMEBOL entry. The player in focus filled a void for Argentina in the form of the goalkeeper position. With all due respect for Sergio Romero, Romero was decent for country but a journeyman for club. His successor for La Albiceleste on paper matches that resume, having played for more clubs than Romero at 29 years old. However, he went from underdog to alpha just a few years ago. Now, he’s as irreplaceable for Aston Villa as he is for Argentina. I am talking about Emiliano Martínez.

Emiliano Martínez was born in Mar De Plata, Argentina on September 2, 1992. Located in the Buenos Aires Province, Mar De Plata is the 7th largest city in Argentina known for its status as a major fishing port and a beach resort. His first stop in his once nomadic football career was one familiar with most young Argentines, located 4 hours and 45 minutes north in Buenos Aires.

While many fans are familiar with the multitude of clubs that exist in London (14 within the top four English divisions), that pales in comparison numbers wise to the 24 that reside in the Argentine capital. This is the highest concentration of teams within any city limits globally. Well worth the near five-hour drive from Mar De Plata to begin your career. For Emiliano Martínez, the youth career started at Independiente in 2008. Two years later, he successfully completed a…