Cristian Romero, Oliver Skipp and Eric Dier of Tottenham
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has managed to help turn around the career of World Cup winning star Cristian Romero, with the error-prone defender turning over a new leaf and being talked into abandoning plans to leave, according to an observer.
The Argentinian star has cut a divisive figure since an initial season-long loan from Atalanta in summer 2021. With that deal later becoming permanent, the 25-year-old has been something of an enigma during his time in north London. Sometimes a world-beater, other-times an error-strewn reckless mess, it would not have come as a surprise had Tottenham cashed in on him this summer.
However, the arrival of Postecoglou as manager has brought around a reversal in fortunes. The centre-half has proved a model of consistency so far and actually looks far more comfortable operating in Tottenham’s flat back four as opposed to a five used by predecessor Antonio Conte.
Indeed, a summer of upheaval at Spurs has seen a number of defensive options depart. Eric Dier appears to be on the scraphead and destined to leave in January having been phased out by Postecoglou and told by Daniel Levy he can leave.
Furthermore, with Davinson Sanchez also leaving for Galatasaray, Romero now finds himself the senior statesman of a newly put-together Spurs defensive unit.
Partnering summer signing Micky van de Ven and other recent arrivals Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro operating as full-backs, Romero is relishing his new responsibilities at Spurs.
So much so, that journalist and YouTuber Alasdair Gold now says any plans Romero had of leaving the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium have now been officially abandoned.
Cristian Romero has no plans to quit Tottenham
And with Romero spotted kissing the captain’s armband after the thumping 5-2 win at Burnley, it seems Romero’s love affair with Spurs is well and truly alive.
Discussing the defender’s reversal in fortunes and rise to popularity under Postecoglou, Gold feels Romero is now here to stay.
“He really kind of shot down claims that he loved playing for Argentina more than Spurs and his heart was not really with the club,” Gold began.
“He was very clear, ‘No, no, I’ve turned down deals already this summer to leave Spurs, I really believe in it’.
“And I think a lot of it is down to [Ange] Postecoglou.
“Postecoglou and him have just really clicked. Postecoglou calls him the most influential defender in the back line and he is, it’s true.
“He’s kind of the elder statesman of that back line now which is bizarre when he’s 25.
“It’s a really stepping stone season for me with Romero.”
Postecoglou knows, however, there remains room for improvement. In their four games so far, Spurs have shipped four goals and have just one clean sheet to their name.
Maddison performances earn Sheringham praise
Nonetheless, with James Maddison and Co at the other end causing damage, Postecoglou’s side look more than capable of outscoring the opposition this season.
It all bodes well for a good season at Spurs.
Summer signing Maddison, a £40m buy from Leicester, has been an inspired addition. He has two goals and two assists from four games already and is revelling in the free role Postecoglou has afforded him.
Talking to Sky Sports, Teddy Sheringham reckons the England international is a “fantastic addition” for Spurs.
“Tottenham don’t seem to be missing Harry Kane. Son has stepped up,” Sheringham said.
“The way they’re playing is fantastic. Maddison looks like a fantastic addition.”
