Tottenham star Cristian Romero was involved today as Saudi Arabia stunned Argentina in the World Cup, where BBC Sport aimed some criticism at him.
The €55m (£48m) Spurs defender was given a start by Lionel Scaloni ahead of Lisandro Martinez, although he endured a tough time as he was withdrawn in the 59th minute with Argentina 2-1 down.
Tottenham star Romero questioned after Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia
Well, Clinton Morrison was working on BBC Radio 5 Live for the World Cup early kickoff today, where he questioned Romero’s sharpness when defending.
After Saudi Arabia netted their equaliser, the 43-year-old said: “It is a brilliant goal. Cristian Romero doesn’t move his feet quick enough. It is a brilliant finish, despite him not catching it cleanly.”
Scaloni clearly felt that the Tottenham No.17 was a weak link for his side as well, given the fact he substituted him almost immediately after Saudi Arabia took the lead.
Romero is a highly rated figure back in north London, a notion emphasised by the fact Spurs spent £48m to secure his signature following a campaign in which he was voted Serie A’s best defender for Atalanta.
However, Antonio Conte will surely be concerned by the 24-year-old’s start to the World Cup in Qatar.
Romero display could be blessing in disguise for Tottenham
If Scaloni now decides to bench Romero for Martinez for the remainder of the tournament, it could actually be a blessing in disguise for Tottenham, albeit a huge personal blow for the South American.
The Argentine is quite prone to injuries, and has already missed eight games for Tottenham so far this season with various issues, mainly his hamstring.
Therefore, some time to rest on the bench could actually stand Romero in good stead for Spurs when he returns to N17 in December, although he may come back in a terrible mood if Scaloni does now relegate him to the bench.
Whatever happens, the Tottenham colossus did not cover himself in glory against Saudi Arabia.
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