Villarreal travel to Tottenham on Tuesday for the opening game of the Champions League campaign, and a familiar face will be among them.
Juan Foyth spent three seasons at Spurs, having joined from Estudiantes at the age of 19.
He never managed to get regular minutes at the club, but has since revived his career at Villarreal. The Spanish side are making their Champions League return against Spurs, having been absent from the competition since losing to Liverpool in the 2021/22 semi-finals.
Foyth is excited to face off against his old teammates, and has gone out of his way to heap praise on a fellow centre-back still at the club.
Juan Foyth full of praise for Tottenham’s Cristian Romero
Foyth never actually played with Cristian Romero at the club level, leaving just two months before the now-captain’s arrival.
But they were both part of Argentina’s World Cup-winning side in 2022, and Foyth has nothing but good things to say about his fellow countryman.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Tuesday’s tie, the Villarreal defender reiterated a warning he has surely given to his teammates.
He says: “Our strikers are going to have to endure a lot against one of the best defenders in the world. We played together in the younger age groups against each other and then together in the under-20s.
“He is one of the best centre-backs in the world and I’m pleased for him. He is a great player and a great person.”
Romero had an unfortunate time of it last season, picking up a nasty injury that prevented him from helping Spurs in their struggles, but the captain is happy under Thomas Frank and ready to compete for silverware once again.
Foyth respects his old team but is eyeing a win
Foyth extended his kind words to Spurs, looking back fondly on his time in London: “It a special game because it’s the Champions League and it’s one of the beautiful competitions.
“And also because I was there for three years. I remember this stadium being started and I had many great moments, and I hope to have more tomorrow.”
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He sees the threat posed by Frank’s side, complimenting their physicality and talent, but he isn’t fearful of the fixture and will be hoping to get one over on his former club.
To close out the interview, Foyth reminds us that Villarreal have reached the semi-final of this competition twice, and they believe they can compete with anyone.
Spurs’ first game back in the Champions League is sure to be an exciting watch.
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