Only one thing preventing Tottenham centre back from being world’s best
By Gary Pearson
Cristian Romero’s indiscipline is preventing him from becoming the world’s best centre-back, but it’s only a matter of time before he improves that aspect of his repertoire.
The Argentine world cup winner is inarguably Tottenham’s best defender. Aggressive, tenacious, and positionally sound, Romero is an elite central defender whose stock continually rises.
His combative, no-nonsense tackling style is a throwback to yesteryear’s glorious rough-and-tumble, hard-knock days. But, unfortunately, it’s precisely that unadulterated aggression that gets him in scalding water.
The 24-year-old warrior has picked up 17 yellow and three red cards in 55 appearances since joining Tottenham before the 2021-22 campaign.
While he hasn’t received a straight red, Romero’s indiscipline has cost Tottenham, who are a drastically inferior side without his domineering presence.
Romero’s latest sending-off came in the dying embers of the Round of 16 second leg against AC Milan.
While the Argentine’s premature exodus wasn’t why Tottenham was ousted from the Champions League, it certainly extinguished any chance of pulling off a miraculous comeback.
Romero can have no argument about receiving the second yellow; such was the lateness and malice of the challenge. Yet it’s Romero’s spicy edge that elevates his status to one of the world’s best.
The 2022-23 campaign has seen Romero receive seven yellows and two reds in 25 appearances. With time, added experience, and maturity, Romero will understand better the opportune time to commit to his ferocious trademarked challenges.
He’ll know when to unleash the fury and when to jockey and contain himself for the team’s betterment.
His defensive ability and prowess are unmatched, and he is an invaluable asset to Spurs.
He’s a proven winner on the world’s biggest stage, and Tottenham needs him on the pitch if they are to end their barren trophy run.
Once he learns how to toe the line and resist the visceral urge to annihilate every foe, he’ll be regarded as the world’s best centre back.
So long as he never loses the fury and combative nature that has endeared him so totally to Tottenham Hotspur supporters.