Arsenal legend Martin Keown singled out Tottenham Hotspur’s Cristian Romero for praise after a ‘fantastic’ performance during Argentina’s World Cup final victory over France in Qatar, speaking to talkSPORT (19 December, 10.45am).
It feels like light-years ago now.
Following Argentina’s shock 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in the group-stages, some serious questions were being asked about Romero’s place in Lionel Scaloni’s starting XI.
The former Atalanta colossus arrived in the Middle East on the back of a niggling hamstring injury, after all. And, with the imperious Lisandro Martinez waiting in the wings, Romero’s World Cup campaign looked at risk of ending as soon as it began.
Three-and-a-half weeks later, however, Tottenham’s number four was raising football’s biggest prize into the Qatari sky. He played all 120 madcap minutes as Argentina edged France in a thrilling, topsy-turvy final at the Lusail Stadium.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Cristian Romero wins the 2022 World Cup with Argentina
“I thought he was fantastic,” says Keown, a former centre-half with three Premier League winners’ medals on his CV.
Romero, on Sunday night, became only the third Spurs player to claim a World Cup winners’ medal. The 24-year-old joins Jimmy Greaves and Hugo Lloris – who also started at the Lusail – in the history books.
“We’re all on top form,” captain marvel Lionel Messi told FIFA earlier in the tournament. “If I had to single someone out; (centre-halves Nicolas) Otamendi and Romero have been impressive.
“They have been key players in each match. Our defence was impressive. They (Otamendi and Romero) have been putting in a lot of effort since the start of the World Cup.”
Romero, a £42 million signing from Serie A outfit Atalanta in the summer of 2021, completed nine clearances in Sunday’s final. Six more than anyone else on the pitch (WhoScored).
He could potentially be joined in North London by Albiceleste team-mate Alexis MacAllister in the New Year too; Tottenham are big fans of one of the Qatar World Cup’s real breakout stars (L’Interista). The Brighton playmaker was outstanding in the final; a prancing, playmaking ball of perpetual motion.
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