Paul Robinson: Micky van de Ven adds stability to Tottenham defence with Cristian Romero
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…
Paul Robinson believes that Micky van de Ven has added fresh stability to Tottenham’s defence and will bring out the best in the unpredictable Cristian Romero.
The former Spurs defender admitted the early signs have been very positive with two clean sheets out of the last three games already, despite the new additions at the back.
Romero’s capability to pick up yellow and red cards frequently was a problem, but having Van de Ven alongside him is said to have steadied the ship.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Robinson said: “Tottenham certainly look a lot better defensively. I think van de Ven has come in and steadied the ship.
“He’s come straight into the side and the manager played him at left back and with Pedro Porro playing at right back.
“It is early on, but they’ve had two clean sheets out of three. The early signs are very promising. It could be quite difficult at times, with a new goalkeeper, a new centre-half and a new left-back. To have two clean sheets out of three is a really promising sign early on.
“Romero for me has always been the best defender that the club I have had. It’s just relying on him to not get yellow carded, not get red carded and stay on the pitch every week.
“That’s been the biggest problem that they had with Romero. But with someone like van de Ven next to him is useful. Van de Ven has taken on a bit more responsibility, he has been a brilliant find.
“There will be bumps in the road but Spurs’ defensive record last year was poor and something had to change and the early signs are good.“
In other Tottenham news, John Wenham has shared his verdict on Spurs’ new defensive additions.