Cristian Romero has blown staff at Tottenham Hotspur away since his loan-to-buy transfer from Atalanta last summer, with coaches describing the defender as a ‘Rolls-Royce’ player.
That’s according to The Athletic, who report the Argentine has impressed each member of staff at Hotspur Way this season. Even though some coaches already felt they were signing one of the top-five centre-backs throughout the Premier League when they sealed his deal.
Spurs brought Romero to England in August under Nuno Espirito Santo in an initial season-long loan from Atalanta. Their agreement also includes a £47m option to purchase the 23-year-old at the end of the term. Managing Director Fabio Paratici was crucial to his arrival.
Romero moved to north London after Serie A named the Copa America champion as their defender of the year. Yet he produced a steady start under Nuno, before then suffering a serious hamstring injury after just one Premier League appearance under Antonio Conte.
The 10-cap enforcer returned to action in Spurs’ defeat to Southampton earlier this month and has started their last three. He also produced a stellar showing during Saturday’s 3-2 win at Manchester City, leading from the right of Conte’s three-man central defensive line.
Tottenham staff and players growing in awe of Romero
Romero’s performance on the pitch at Manchester City showed what Tottenham coaches have seen off the field, as well. The Argentine is emerging as a leader in the dressing room even though he is not the most vocal player. His English is also not perfect, but improving.
Other Spurs stars already look up to Romero with how focused and serious the defender is around Hotspur Way, too. All in all helping to enhance the already adoring respect coaches at Tottenham have developed for Romero since his transfer from Atalanta last summer.
Romero has likewise captivated Conte since the Italian replaced Nuno at the Tottenham helm in November. He waxed lyrical of the defender recently, noting via football.london: “He is an important player for me and the team. He is strong and he anticipates [well].”
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