Multiple Argentinean publications are now reporting that Cristian Romero is set to be dropped for Argentina’s clash against Mexico on Saturday, on the back of his poor showing against Saudi Arabia.
The Albiceleste ideally need all three points against Mexico after falling to a shock defeat in their tournament opener, thanks in part to some poor defending.
Romero, who had not had any competitive action over the last month leading up to the game due to a hamstring injury, looked lacklustre and did not cover himself in glory in the build-up to Saleh Alshehri’s equaliser on Tuesday.
Clarin now claim that Lionel Scaloni is set to ring the changes for the clash against Mexico after ‘chewing on anger, swallowing poison, reflecting and analysing’ from their tournament opener.
The publication states that Romero, who showed a ‘notable lack of rhythm’ in the first match, is set to be replaced by Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez in the starting lineup.
This has been backed up by the print edition Ole (24/11/22 as relayed by Sport Witness), who state that Scaloni’s priority is to make changes to the backline, with Romero being the ‘main figure’ in the Argentina boss’ thinking.
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The report remarks that the Tottenham man did not show the ‘aggressiveness’ that usually characterises him against Saudi Arabia and he is thus expected to make way for Martinez.
Spurs Web Opinion
A centre-half like Romero, who is so reliant on his aggression and sharpness, needs to have momentum and regular game time under his belt to be at his best.
To start him when he was clearly not match-fit was not a good idea and it would make sense to leave the Tottenham man out of the side if he has not fully recovered.
That does not take away from Romero’s quality as I am sure Scaloni will concede that the 24-year-old is his best centre-half when he is fully fit.
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