'What a player'- Tottenham star rubbing shoulders with the club’s finest ever; born to play football

Cristian Romero labelled one of the best centre-backs in the club’s history

Cristian Romero was among several signings that arrived at Tottenham under Paratici’s leadership at the helm. Having initially arrived on a season-long loan from Atalanta in the summer of 2021, the centre-back was signed permanently a year later. The Argentinean international has proven to be one of the best signings the north Londoners have made in the last five years.

Regarded as one of the best centre-backs in Europe, Cristian Romero was heavily linked with a move to Atletico Madrid in the past summer transfer window. Diego Simeone made private calls to lure him to Atletico Madrid, trying to take advantage of the 27-year-old’s desire to play in La Liga. At one point, it actually looked he’d join the Spanish side after delivering the Man of the Match display in the Europa League final against Manchester United in Bilbao in May.

Credit to Tottenham, especially new CEO Vinai Venkatesham, to not only keep hold of Romero but secure his future with a bumper new deal. And following Son Heung-min’s departure to MLS club Los Angeles FC, he has also been named as the club’s new captain.

When discussing Paratici’s top Tottenham signings, English pundit Jamie O’Hara admitted that Romero is probably “one of the best centre-backs” to don the famous Lilywhite jersey. He has called him a leader and man “born to be on the football pitch”.

“Probably one of the best signings we’ve made in the last 20 years. I mean, he’s now the captain. What a player!” Jamie O’Hara told Sky Sports.

“I mean, you had to let go Atletico Madrid trying to sign him for 70 million pounds. We’re not letting him go. That’s what he means to this football club.

“World Cup winner, leader in the dressing room, born to be on a football pitch and lead a side. Probably one of the best centre-halves we’ve seen at Tottenham.”

Romero is the backbone of Tottenham’s defence

Like majority of his Tottenham teammates, Romero had a disappointing 2024/25 season. The South American star suffered several injury setbacks and spent months on the sidelines, hampering his progress in the process. He managed to overcome his injury problems in the final months of the campaign and helped Spurs win the Europa League- the club’s first silverware in 17 years.

Romero has shown signs of getting back to his former self this season. His partnership with Micky van de Ven has been one of the primer reasons behind the north Londoners’ newfound defensively solidity and resilience. The Cordoba-born talent has led the team by an example, showing why Thomas Frank is right in handing the captaincy armband to him.

At 27, the 2022 World Cup winner is entering the prime stages of his career, and fans would want to see Romero stay away from injuries and deliver the goods consistently.