Tottenham star Cristian Romero has continued to show his class on the biggest stage once again, featuring heavily for Argentina in the Copa America.
The 26-year-old has been an impressive, front-foot and aggressive option at the back ever since he moved to Hotspur Way in 2021.
The former Juventus and Atalanta defender hasn’t always had it easy, but the past season has shown the quality required of a leader in the Premier League.
Romero backed that up on the international stage, playing a key part in the Argentina side that won the World Cup in 2022.
He has since shown his class once again, playing front and centre for the national team as they lifted the 2024 edition of the Copa America this summer.
While the team as a whole impressed, it was Romero who underlined the impact of Ange Postecoglou on his performances.
Cristian Romero foul statistic from Copa America 2024
Over the years, Romero has gained a reputation for being something of a cynical challenger, occasionally picking up a rash yellow card or a red for his tackles.
However, under Tottenham boss Postecoglou, there has been a clear shift into being slightly more careful in his approach while keeping that front-footed nature he plays with.
The impact of that has been clear in the Copa America, as Romero committed just three fouls across the whole tournament and didn’t pick up a single yellow card.
As a whole, that side of his game has already helped Argentina toward silverware and there will be hopes that can translate into trophies for Spurs.
Speaking to the Tottenham matchday programme in March, Romero said on his discipline: “It’s something I’ve worked on. I’ve realised I’ve been picking up too many cards at some points here and there.
“When you’re a defender, you have to tackle, my style has lent itself to picking up cards in the past.
“Through working on it you can try to eradicate certain things, maybe daft yellow cards for protesting too much, or clashing with someone.
“With the style of defender I am, those clashes can be unavoidable sometimes if you have a face-off with someone.
“I respect every opponent and team I play against and whatever clash happens it stays on the field. I’ve been working on it and hopefully eradicating some of those cards.”
His improvement in that regard could take the 26-year-old to the next level, making him one of the most formidable defenders in the world.
- READ MORE: Tottenham confirmed signings, transfer ins and outs, loans and releases for 2024 summer window
Tottenham defensive options
The past few transfer windows have proven to be key windows for Tottenham when it comes to improving the squad, not least in the defensive departments.
With Romero’s improvement alongside the likes of Micky van de Ven and Radu Dragusin, there are few concerns over the centre-back positions.
Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro have been crucial in the attacking phases as full-backs, though questions remain over rotation options for the pair.
With plenty of room left for growth, the stability of the backline could allow Postecoglou to focus his attention to elsewhere in the squad which may finally let the team take their next steps.
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