Garnacho makes shock Romero claim after Tottenham Europa League triumph
Alejandro Garnacho has made a fresh claim about Cristian Romero after Tottenham beat Manchester United 1-0 in the UEFA Europa League final.
Spurs’ 17-year wait for a trophy ended in Bilbao on Wednesday (21 May), as Brennan Johnson scored the match-winner against Ruben Amorim’s side.
The win meant Spurs ended the season with success, despite a dismal Premier League campaign where they are 17th, one point behind Europa League final opponents Manchester United.
Ange Postecoglou kept his promise of winning a trophy in his second season with the Lilywhites. However, the 59-year-old’s future at Tottenham remains unclear, as does Romero’s.
Garnacho describes Romero as ‘best in the world’
Romero was crucial for Spurs in their clash with United in Bilbao, winning UEFA’s Player of the Match.
His performance also prompted high praise from one of his opponents on the night and Argentina teammate, Garnacho.
Garnacho told ESPN Argentina [via Metro, 22 May], “We know Cuti [Romero], he’s the best centre-back in the world. He deserves it, congratulations to him.”
| Stat | Cristian Romero v Manchester United |
| Clearances | 10 |
| Blocks | 1 |
| Tackles | 1 |
| Passing Accuracy | 92 per cent |
Some supporters might be surprised to hear Garnacho deliver Romero such high praise after a devastating loss. However, it shows the winger can be humble in defeat.
After such a dominant display in Spain, it comes as no surprise that Romero has attracted interest from abroad ahead of the summer transfer window.
When asked about his future after the final, the Argentine said, “I can’t stop what is said outside about what will become of my future.
“I always give everything for this club, and I give my all to this shirt. I came with the mentality of winning, of making history. I wanted to leave my name engraved in Tottenham.”
Tottenham have some light at the end of the tunnel
Spurs’ Europa League run has shown that they can put performances together and win when it matters.
If they can keep hold of Romero, one of the only consistent performers for the club, and add more defensive reinforcements, they can build on their European performances in the Premier League.
Whether Postecoglou will be tasked with the job remains to be seen, with claims that the Tottenham head coach would face the sack regardless of the result in Bilbao.
However, Daniel Levy may be having second thoughts after seeing fans’ reactions at full time, with Tottenham also set to make a return to the UEFA Champions League for the first time since the 2022/23 season.