Hoddle makes Cristian Romero accusation after Tottenham win
Glenn Hoddle has aimed a subtle dig at Cristian Romero despite Tottenham's 2-0 win against Bodø/Glimt.
Tottenham's season has been a rollercoaster, which could still end with Ange Postecoglou cementing his legacy as the first manager to bring silverware to the Lilywhites since Juande Ramos in 2008.
Injuries, especially in defensive areas, have contributed to Tottenham's trying season, with the absences of Micky Van de Ven and Romero in particular derailing Postecoglou's desired style of play.
Their return to fitness has undoubtedly contributed to Spurs' success in reaching a Europa League final, but Hoddle believes that Romero is not without flaws.
Hoddle questions Romero's concentration
Romero's contract situation at Tottenham is an ever-changing landscape, much like his performances since his arrival, initially on loan, from Atalanta in 2021.
Statistics show that Tottenham are much better with him in the team, with Spurs winning all six games in which he started in Europe compared to winning only half the games he didn't feature in this season.
| Statistics | Games With Romero (6 Games) | Games Without Romero (8 Games) |
| Games won | 6 | 4 |
| Games lost | 0 | 2 |
| Goals conceded | 4 | 9 |
However, the World Cup winner is guilty of costly moments in games as well, something that Hoddle alluded to when speaking on TNT Sports' coverage of Spurs' victory against Bodø/Glimt at the Aspmyra Stadion on Thursday (8 May).
The former Spurs midfielder said, "Romero sometimes goes to sleep in league games," as demonstrated in Tottenham's 4-2 Premier League loss against Wolves at Molnieux (13 April), when the centre-back was dispossessed in a dangerous position, which directly led to a goal.
Hoddle did add that Romero's form in Europe has been far more impressive, with his partnership with Van de Ven crucial if Tottenham are to lift the Europa League trophy in Bilbao.
Romero's leadership is key for Tottenham
Postecoglou has been a strong supporter of Romero, rewarding his leadership and commitment with the captain's armband in the absence of skipper Son Heung-min.
The Argentine was at his commanding best against Bodø/Glimt, blending his unique composure with his competitive spirit to keep out a usually free-scoring side.
With Son's fitness still an unknown ahead of the final, Postecoglou will lean heavily on Romero's pedigree to guide Spurs through the biggest challenge of his tenure.