Cristian Romero has made huge strides in improving his disciplinary record this season, and the Tottenham Hotspur defender has revealed why he intentionally worked on cutting out the silly cards he was receiving previously.
Ever since he first joined Spurs, Cristian Romero has not been the kind of player to shy away from a challenge or a confrontation. The Argentine proudly wears his heart on his sleeve, and his passion has endeared him to the Tottenham faithful.
However, that passion has, at times, spilled over into ill-discipline that has cost his team dearly.
Prior to this season, Romero had picked up three red cards and 22 yellow cards in just two campaigns with the Lilywhites. This season, the 25-year-old has just four yellow cards and one red card to his name (Transfermarkt).
Cristian Romero has been working on his discipline
Speaking in the recent matchday programme for the Premier League game against Crystal Palace, Romero was asked about his newfound calm and composure.
He said: “It’s something I’ve worked on. I’ve realised I’ve been picking up too many cards at some points here and there. When you’re a defender, you have to tackle, my style has lent itself to picking up cards in the past.
“Through working on it you can try to eradicate certain things, maybe daft yellow cards for protesting too much, or clashing with someone. With the style of defender I am, those clashes can be unavoidable sometimes if you have a face-off with someone.
“I respect every opponent and team I play against and whatever clash happens it stays on the field. I’ve been working on it and hopefully eradicating some of those cards.”
Spurs Web Opinion
I think that being made vice-captain by Ange Postecoglou had a huge impact on Romero’s way of thinking and made him realise he has a big responsibility within the Tottenham first-team squad.
Romero staying away from suspensions has been, and will continue to be, a massive boost for Spurs.