MY ACCOUNT
Cristian Romero looks set to play a pivotal part in Antonio Conte’s transformation of Tottenham.
The Argentine defender’s time in England has been filled with ups and downs since his switch from Atalanta last summer.
But Romero, 23, has shown signs that he could become a world-class centre-back under Conte’s guidance.
As Tottenham prepare to face Everton in the Premier League tonight, we examine why he can help the Italian tactician achieve his goals in North London.
The story so far
At times, Romero has lived up to expectations. But he has endured a campaign of inconsistency, largely due to a 17-game absence with a hamstring injury.
His last few matches have perhaps encapsulated his time at Spurs as a whole.
Superb in the 3-2 win at Manchester City last month, he faltered as Tottenham lost to Burnley and were then dumped out of the FA Cup by Championship outfit Middlesbrough.
Nonetheless, he seems central to Conte’s plans — the Cordoba native has started all nine matches for which he has been available since the former Inter Milan boss succeeded Nuno Espirito Santo.
An ideal fit
Conte reinforced Romero’s importance to his side last month, describing the 10-cap international as ideally suited to the English top flight.
He said: “Romero is perfect for the Premier League.
“He’s strong physically, he has the timing to anticipate and good personality to play with the ball.
“Despite being a young player, he has good experience, he’s strong. I like him.”
Goalmouth retriever
One of Romero’s biggest strengths is his positioning — and a look at the data gives us some insight into this.
Of players to play 900 minutes or more in the Premier League this season, only Chelsea’s Andreas Christensen (4.96) has gained possession in his final third more times per 90 minutes than Romero (4.76).
Within the same parameters, he also ranks eighth among defenders for interceptions per 90 with 1.83.
When they find themselves without the ball near their own goal, Spurs can rely on Romero to retrieve it.
Aerial impact
Standing at 6ft 1in, Romero is a dominant presence and drew widespread acclaim for his aerial prowess when playing for former club Genoa.
While he has not been particularly monstrous in that respect for Tottenham, his aerial success rate of 59% places him first among Spurs players to contest 50 or more aerial duels this term.
That makes him a threat in both boxes — although he could perhaps translate this quality into more goals, having only scored six in his professional career to date.
An important reminder
Having a player with such great potential in their ranks might, in a way, serve as a reminder to Spurs of their own potential as a club.
But to realise that and secure Champions League football once again, they need to add quality reinforcements and keep hold of the stars they already have.
Romero is a work in progress. But if he is to continue that development in Tottenham colours, they ought to be building the team’s defence around him — and that means fresh faces this summer.
