Jamie Redknapp has told the Sky Sports Football podcast that Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero will be one of the best defenders in the world – despite admitting the Argentine sometimes makes “bad decisions”.
Romero, 24, only managed 30 appearances for Tottenham in his first season. A knee injury from the gruelling Copa America triumph last summer persisted, but he thrived following the arrival of Antonio Conte as manager.
Forming a superb defensive partnership alongside Eric Dier and Ben Davies, Romero has sparkled. At this early stage in his career, he is already one of Tottenham’s best players. And, first choice in the starting XI for Argentina.
Redknapp was asked about Tottenham’s sturdy defence, which has helped rid themselves of the ‘Spursy’ tag. The ex-Spurs midfielder says there is “no doubt” that Romero will become one of the world’s best defenders.
“Romero is going to be one of the best central defenders in the world, there is no doubt about it. He can be a bit rash, make bad decisions, win balls when he can’t. But he is going to learn from Conte, a fantastic signing.”
Redknapp: Tottenham defender Romero will be one of the best in world
Redknapp is right. Romero, still only 24, looks like a player that has been playing professional football at this level for years. He is miles off his peak. With Conte at the helm, Romero has all the ingredients to be a world beater.
But Redknapp is also correct to highlight his rashness. It will see him get sent off now and then. If he can learn to play with that edge, but combine it with ridding himself of the odd rash tackle or diving in, he will be unbeatable.
Tottenham, and Fabio Paratici, have done remarkably well to bring him in before some of Europe’s other biggest clubs got a sniff. Reports claim that Spurs will strike the permanent deal in his loan before the end of the month.
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