Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero turned in a strong performance against Manchester City on Saturday, earning huge praise from Jamie Carragher.
If anybody was relieved after Harry Kane’s dramatic winner for Tottenham on Saturday, it was probably defender Romero.
Romero had been a man mountain for Tottenham. The Argentinian made seven clearances, two interceptions and blocked two shots in a superb display.
With just seconds to go though, it looked like Romero’s outstanding display would have an unfortunate twist.
Flying out to block Bernardo Silva’s cross, Romero had one arm above his head. The ball struck that arm, leaving City players begging for a penalty.
After a VAR check, the penalty was given and Riyad Mahrez smashed it home. Tottenham’s 2-1 lead had gone, and it looked like being a late onslaught from the hosts.
Instead, Kane went and headed home a Dejan Kulusevski cross to wrap up a stunning 3-2 Tottenham win, sparking wild scenes in the process.
At least Romero’s handball didn’t end up costing Tottenham a win and his all-round performance can be praised as deserved.
In the final 15 minutes of Saturday’s game, pundit Carragher seemed absolutely infatuated with Romero.
Carragher told Sky Sports that he thinks Tottenham have managed to secure a ‘really top defender’ in Romero.
The former Liverpool defender then suggested that Romero had been ‘excellent’ and ‘as good as anybody’ on the pitch before the penalty incident.
“He really impresses me, this fella,” said Carragher. “I think Spurs have got a really top defender.”
“I do think the three centre backs, mainly Eric Dier and Romero, have been excellent for Tottenham. Every time a ball has come into the box, more often than not it’s been their head on it.”
“That man Romero has been as good anybody on this pitch,” Carragher added after the penalty decision.
Romero is only on loan at Tottenham, but a permanent deal from Atalanta will likely be activated this summer.
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