Cristian Romero is having a tough season with Tottenham. His recent performances have raised concerns among fans and coaches. In a recent match against Crystal Palace, he was involved in a goal that highlighted the team’s defensive problems. The goal came from a series of mistakes by multiple players, showing a lack of communication and focus.
Guglielmo Vicario, the goalkeeper, played a risky short pass that set off the chain of errors. Romero made a critical mistake by passing across his own box. Micky van de Ven allowed the ball to slip past him, and Pedro Porro and Romero failed to defend against a cross, allowing Mateta to score. This goal was particularly frustrating for supporters, as it felt like self-sabotage after a series of poor plays.
Romero’s struggles this season have been significant. While he hasn’t directly caused goals according to the Premier League stats, he has been involved in more than half of the ten goals Tottenham has conceded. His errors have often been similar: he has failed to mark opponents closely, leading to easy goals. Against teams like Leicester, Arsenal, and Brighton, he was caught off-guard, allowing crucial goals that cost Tottenham points.
In matches against Newcastle and Crystal Palace, Romero’s positioning and decision-making were also lacking. In the game against Newcastle, he pressed high up the pitch but didn’t get back in time to defend. As a result, he was out of position when Newcastle scored. These moments are part of a larger pattern of mistakes this season.
Romero’s issues seem to stem from a mix of poor decision-making, lack of focus, and risky passes. He rarely makes such mistakes when playing for Argentina, where he is a key player. He has been part of successful international campaigns, including a World Cup win. However, his performances for Tottenham have been inconsistent.
Several factors may explain his struggles. The tactical approach of manager Ange Postecoglou demands a lot from central defenders. They need to be both aggressive in attack and solid in defense. This high-pressure style can lead to mistakes, especially for players like Romero.
Additionally, Romero has been playing a lot of football. He has participated in three consecutive international tournaments, which can take a toll on a player’s mental and physical state. There is also speculation about his future, as he enters the last two years of his contract, with rumors of interest from clubs like Real Madrid.
Despite his challenges, it seems unlikely that Postecoglou will drop him from the starting lineup anytime soon. Romero has been wearing the captain’s armband in the absence of Son Heung-min, and the manager has praised his leadership and quality. Postecoglou has pointed to improvements in Romero’s discipline this season, noting that he has not received any yellow cards.
However, as Romero continues to make mistakes, his position in the team could be at risk. Other players, like James Maddison, have faced consequences for their performances, being substituted in crucial matches. This raises questions about whether Romero will be held to the same standard.
At his best, Romero is a powerful and skilled center-back. He has the potential to be one of Tottenham’s most important players. However, his current form raises concerns. His errors are becoming a significant issue for Postecoglou as he tries to turn the team’s fortunes around. Fans are hoping for a turnaround in Romero’s performance, as he is capable of much more.
Tottenham needs him to return to his best form for the team to succeed. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Romero to see if he can regain his confidence and consistency. His ability to do so will play a critical role in Tottenham’s hopes for a successful campaign. If he can improve, he could help the team climb the Premier League standings. If not, the pressure will continue to mount on both him and the manager.
