Paul Robinson: Cristian Romero is ‘huge’ for Tottenham – don’t change him
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…
Cristian Romero is Tottenham’s best defender in recent history with his edge giving them “something others don’t”, according to Paul Robinson.
The Argentine has shined during his tenure in N17 and has continued his excellent form this season, scoring twice and helping Spurs in their unbeaten start in the Premier League under Ange Postecoglou.
Partnered this season with new signing Micky van de Ven in the middle of the defence and flanked by the resurgent Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro, Spurs’ new-look backline could prove instrumental in any Tottenham success this season.
Robinson has hailed the World Cup winner as a “pivotal” element to the team and claims his discipline issues should be overlooked.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Robinson said: “I think Romero is a pivotal part of the team with the partnership that he’s had with Van den Ven this season. Spurs have started keeping clean sheets, which has been very unusual without playing five at the back and without playing defensively.
“He’s playing in a team that’s so open and so expansive going forward, they’ve kept clean sheets and they’ve looked very, very good. Romero has been a huge part of that.
“Keeping him on the pitch has always been a problem. He’s always a good one for a yellow card every week and it’s just the way he is, but I wouldn’t want to take the edge off him because he gives you something else, he gives you something that others don’t.
“He’s got a decent relationship now with Pedro Porro playing next to him on that right-hand side, they look very secure, the relationship he’s got with Van den Ven is excellent and I just think it’s that it’s his temperament – you’ve got to keep him on the pitch, which is a side to him that you wouldn’t want to adjust.
“You look at the partnership, it’s been unbroken this season with him and van den Ven. It’s obviously gonna be broken now because he’s suspended, but I think Romero for me has been Tottenham’s best defender they’ve had for a couple of seasons in an area that they’ve struggled.
“But like I say, it’s his discipline and his edge, but I wouldn’t want to change that.”
In other Tottenham news, a former Spurs scout was wowed by a “star in the making” in North London. after his performance in the North London derby