There was so much fanfare over Cristian Romero’s move to Tottenham Hotspur during the summer.
It took almost an age for Fabio Paratici to bring the Atalanta defender to Spurs.
But has he been worth the wait, after the protracted saga? Well that’s debateable.
Romero, an Argentina international, had a very difficult game in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at West Ham United.
The 23-year-old had some good moments but, for the most part, he got bullied by the Hammers’ match winner, Michail Antonio.
In terms of pace and power, Antonio had the beating of the Tottenham player – including one first-half moment where the defender was outmuscled completeley.
Here’s what Karen Carney said to BBC Radio 5 Live: “Michail Antonio says ‘get on the weights’ to Cristian Romero. He just tries to be a little bit too precise with the finish and sends it wide. You’d expect him to score there with the form he is in.”
Potential
Romero has a heck of a lot of potential, hence why the Lilywhites will be spending around £50 million on him next summer when his loan becomes permanent.
But for the moment, he really isn’t looking worth that amount.
Having said that, you also have to be balanced and point out that Harry Kane doesn’t look anything like a striker worth nine figures either, and yet we know that he is.
A lot of these Tottenham lads aren’t anywhere near their best form under Nuno Espirito Santo, which is a problem.
But there’s every chance Romero could look like the world-class defender he’s supposed to be under a better coach.
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