Despite enduring a difficult season so far, it is still fair to say that the Spurs squad is littered with some quality stars.
Many fans will agree that Heung-min Son is undoubtedly Tottenham’s best player on his day, having taken up that mantle following the departure of Harry Kane in 2023.
When it comes to ranking Tottenham’s most underrated player though, that task is slightly more difficult.
Some may argue that title could go to the likes of Pape Matar Sarr and Rodrigo Bentancur – James Maddison however believes it is actually Cristian Romero who doesn’t get the credit he deserves.
James Maddison lauds Tottenham teammate Cristian Romero
It is fair to say that Romero hasn’t had the best start to the season, since returning from his Copa America triumph this summer – which has unsurprisingly led to a number of critics.
Frank Leboeuf recently criticised Romero’s leadership, meanwhile, Jamie O’Hara claimed the Spurs man was “all over the place” against Ipswich Town.
Despite this recent criticism, however, Maddison insists Romero is still very underrated – telling Golf Life that the defender doesn’t get anywhere near enough credit for his talent.
“Yeh, I thought shall I lie and really be nice to him here but no he’s like that in training as well. But I love that about him, that he’s all in and that’s why he’s a winner and that is why he’s won the World Cup and two Copa America.
“He’s all in and heart on his sleeve, playing right on the edge but I think he’s got a lot better at controlling it. People give him the stereotype of a hothead but last year he didn’t get many yellows and got one red card. He’s got that stereotype around him.
“He’s a vice captain now and I think he’s taken that responsibility on brilliantly because he leads by example on the pitch. I love playing with him, even in training because you just know he’s there next to you.
“He’s one of them you would love to go to war with and he’s got your back. He is very underrated on the ball, as a footballer I don’t think he gets anywhere near enough credit for how good he is with the ball. Good player. “
The stats back up Maddison’s Romero praise
Despite disappointing at times this season, Romero’s importance to Spurs is unprecedented.
As Maddison said, the Argentine defender is ‘very underrated on the ball’ and his ball-playing ability is integral to Ange Postecoglou’s system.
When it comes to playing out from the back, the Lilywhites look miles more comfortable doing so when Romero is in the team compared to the likes of Radu Dragusin and Ben Davies.
| Stats 24/25 per 90 | Cristian Romero | Radu Dragusin | Ben Davies |
| Key passes | 0.40 | 0.10 | 0.10 |
| Average passes | 73.30 | 42..10 | 61.60 |
| Pass accuracy | 90.8% | 84.70% | 90.1% |
| Through balls | 3.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
If Romero can iron out his defensive mistakes, he can undoubtedly have a huge hand in where Tottenham finish come May.
Receive a digest of our best Spurs content each week direct to your mailbox
