Alexis Mac Allister knows a thing or two about football. The Liverpool midfielder has gone on record to say that his compatriot—and Tottenham defender—Cristian Romero is the best centre-back in the world.
Mac Allister is the latest Argentine to wax lyrical over Romero, who's played a key role in La Albiceleste's rise to world number-one status. Since 2021, Argentina have won a pair of Copa Americas and were crowned world champions.
There's been more inconsistency for Romero at club level, primarily due to injury, but the former Atalanta defender proved during Spurs' rise to Europa League glory that he must be regarded among the world's best at his position. The increased responsibility thrust upon him by Ange Postecoglou saw 'Cuti' mature, and he donned the captain's armband amid a standout showing against Manchester United in Bilbao.
He's a player Spurs risk losing this summer with interest emerging from Atletico Madrid, but the club must do all they can to retain the one-of-a-kind centre-half. Mac Allister would love him at Liverpool.
Alexis Mac Allister rates Cristian Romero higher than Virgil van Dijk
The midfielder was asked which of his Argentina teammates he'd most like to play alongside at Anfield, and Mac Allister didn't hesitate in response (via TNT Sports): "Oh, Cuti [Romero]. He's a player I love."
The Liverpool star has worked closely alongside Virgil van Dijk for the past couple of years, and the towering Dutchman is many people's go-to when asked to name the world's best defender. Van Dijk endured a blip post-ACL tear but has returned to his supreme best over the past couple of years.
Mac Allister said the Liverpool captain is someone who "commands a lot of respect" but seemed to place Romero higher in his centre-back rankings. "The way he [Romero] speaks and plays, sometimes you feel like he's too much because he makes everything so easy. He gives me confidence. For me, he's been the best centre-back in the world for several years," the midfielder concluded.
Romero's performances for the national team are worthy of such praise, with his brilliance on the international stage enamouring his compatriots, who are ever so close. Alejandro Garnacho labelled the Spurs star as the "best centre-back in the world" after United's defeat in the Europa Legaue final.
Memorably, the great Lionel Messi said Romero was the world's "best defender" back in September 2023. And, well, who are you or I to argue with that man?!