Toby Alderweireld has reflected on Cristian Romero’s leadership at Tottenham and has weighed in on what the Argentine has to change to become a world-class centre-back.
Almost all of Tottenham’s big-name players have failed to live up to expectations this year as the Lilywhites got a first taste of a relegation battle, which almost no one saw coming at the start of the season.
Romero has come under criticism for letting Spurs down, and at various points this season, many have questioned if the Tottenham star is captain material.
The Argentine has not been able to help his side on the pitch amid their relegation battle over the last few weeks, as he is nursing an injury.
Toby Alderweireld claims Tottenham star Cristian Romero needs to be calmer
Alderweireld is up there with the best centre-backs Spurs have had in the Premier League era, with the 37-year-old forming a formidable partnership at the back with compatriot Jan Vertonghen.
The former Spurs man has now suggested that Romero needs to become calmer and keep his concentration for 90 minutes to become a trusted leader at the North London club.
When asked about Romero, Alderweireld told The Times: “I think he’s an unbelievable player, in moments. For example, with the red cards, you don’t help your team. When your team needs you, you need to be the captain steering the ship, not putting it in more trouble. He’s a very good player, but he should have done better in some situations.
“For me, centre-backs are players you need to count on, to be flawless, not crazy. Win your battles, be secure, that’s the number one. Long balls, passes between the lines, of course, that’s a plus, but the basic is to be secure. A captain has to be aware not to — I don’t say he’s causing trouble — but not to be a risk to himself. I call them trustful leaders. You need to be a calm person.”
Romero may have already played his final game for Spurs
Reports indicate that Spurs have decided to cash in on their captain even if they stay in the Premier League ahead of Roberto De Zerbi’s first full season in charge.
This was backed up recently by Fabrizio Romano, who revealed that the feeling at Tottenham and Romero’s camp is that a summer divorce is on the cards.
According to CaughtOffside, Spurs are expected to demand around £52m to £56m for the centre-back, who is set to attract plenty of interest.
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