(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)
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Cristian Romero told he'll cost Tottenham amid 'horrific' scenes vs Manchester United

Jack Dawson
Jack Dawson

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

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Cristian Romero has been criticised for his lack of recovery runs by Stuart Pearce during Tottenham’s 2-2 draw against Manchester United.

In a chaotic match, there were plenty of talking points as Spurs were robbed of a win at the death thanks to a late Matthijs de Ligt.

Despite many underperforming on the day, Romero was easily one of Tottenham’s best players against the Red Devils.

Yet, Pearce believes it is only a matter of time before the captain will cost Spurs as the former England international blasted the Argentine.

Cristian Romero looks ahead while playing for Tottenham.
Cristian Romero has been vital at Tottenham this season (Credit: Imago)

Stuart Pearce: It’s horrific what Cristian Romero is doing 

So far this campaign, the importance of Spurs’ captain has been clear to see.

When Tottenham have not had Romero, they have been dreadful, with the clash against Bodo/Glimt being a perfect example.

However, when he has played, the defender has been key to ensuring that Spurs remain secure and do not go back to their leaky ways from last season.

Yet, Pearce was horrified by Romero’s display when watching the match on talkSPORT on 8 November.

  • Romero was made Tottenham captain in the summer
  • This came after speculation linked the defender away from Spurs
  • Romero has since remained a vital cog at The Hawthorns

Highlighting his lack of recovery runs, the pundit insists that if this doesn’t change, it will cost Spurs in the future.

He said: “I tell you what, it's absolutely horrific what Romero's doing at the moment.

“I don't want to pick on one individual, but he loses the ball in midfield, and there's no recovery run at all. 

“When you're a defender, you need to have a defensive mindset that you get back goalside of the ball, and he doesn't. 

“That'll be costly to his team not just today but going forward if he plays in this manner."

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank looking annoyed on the touchline.
Thomas Frank may be forced to have words with Romero (Credit: Imago)

While Romero is a fantastic player, Pearce may have a point, and Thomas Frank should look to have a word with the defender.

No player is perfect, and if there is a way to improve his game, the manager should look to do this.

What were Romero’s stats against Manchester United?

According to Fotmob on 8 November, Romero had a great game against Man United.

The defender won 64 per cent of his ground duels, while also performing five tackles and eight recoveries.

Cristian Romero vs Manchester United
Minutes 88
xG0.35
Touches 74
Tackles 5
Ground duels won64%
Recoveries 8
Passing accuracy 93%
Romero had an impressive game against Manchester United

His passing accuracy was also on point at 93 per cent, on top of producing a 0.35 xG.

Now, Romero will need to ensure these types of displays do not drop off going into the international break, as he will be vital for the upcoming festive run-in.

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Cristian Romero
Stuart Pearce
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