Danny Murphy praised Radu Dragusin for his performance against Ukraine but did not like the fact that the centre-back celebrated his defensive interventions.
Radu Dragusin is shining at Euro 2024
Dragusin was one of the stars of the show for Romanian in their 3-0 win over Ukraine in their opening group game, a result which puts the nation in the driving seat to qualify from Group E.
The Ukrainians dominated possession in the encounter but the Tottenham man and his fellow defenders delivered a spirited display at the back, hardly giving their opponents a kick in the final third.
Dragusin has come in for plenty of plaudits for his performance at the Allianz Arena but Murphy has now aimed a bizarre criticism at the Spurs man.
Danny Murphy criticises Dragusin’s celebrations
The pundit was not a fan of the fact that the 22-year-old celebrated a block with his teammate when Romania were leading 3-0.
This is not the first time that Dragusin has celebrated a defensive intervention. Spurs fans will remember that he also pumped his fist in the air before embracing Guglielmo Vicario after pulling off a brilliant block in Tottenham’s 2-0 loss to Manchester City last month.
However, Murphy has opined that the former Genoa man should be celebrating simply doing his job.
The pundit told BBC One on Match of the Day about Dragusin: “Joking aside, his performance deserves plaudits because he was outstanding.
“Tottenham fans watching that will be really pleased because they haven’t seen much of him and his capability is there.
“He is perfect for the Premier League. He epitomised everything good about Romania. I don’t think you should be celebrating doing your job that much. I mean, it’s just a block. Come on?! If he (points towards Ashley Williams) had done that at Goodison Park. Can you imagine?”
Spurs Web Opinion
In theory, saving a goal is just as important as scoring a goal. I do not see why goalkeepers and defenders cannot celebrate thwarting their opponents from finding the back of the net.