Tottenham defender and Argentine World Cup winner, Cristian Romero, has been slammed for his performances this season.<\/p>\n
Romero, who was a key figure in Ange Postecoglou\u2019s successful debut season at Tottenham, has been at odds to replicate his form, leaving him to the scrutiny of fans and pundits regarding his defensive sharpness.<\/p>\n
Romero\u2019s partnership with Micky van de Ven last season had garnered widespread acclaim, with many labelling them as one of the Premier League\u2019s top center-back match-ups, which even led to Postecoglou elevating Romero\u2019s role by naming him vice-captain, which had enhanced his maturity and discipline on the field.<\/p>\n
However, he has a undergone a noticeable dip in his performances this season, looking a lot less sharper and has made quite a few mistakes which have either directly or indirectly resulted in goals.<\/p>\n
In fact, club insider John Wenham has named him responsible for most of the goals Spurs have conceded this season, with one notable error occurring in the recent 3-2 loss to Brighton, where Tottenham squandered a two-goal lead. Romero was caught idly ball-watching, leaving Brighton\u2019s Danny Welbeck unmarked to score the winning goal.<\/p>\n
Former Spurs star Glenn Hoddle was particularly vocal in his criticism, accusing Romero of \u201cpoor\u201d defending, besides being a \u201cspectator\u201d during the decisive moment. Hoddle pointed out that Romero\u2019s failure to track Welbeck\u2019s movement and his poor positioning contributed to the goal.<\/p>\n
Discussing Romero\u2019s role in the goal on Premier League Productions, Hoddle said:<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is just poor defending all round, you can\u2019t believe it from a Tottenham point of view. There is one attacker in the six-yard box. It\u2019s 3 vs one.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is poor defending from (Destiny) Udogie. You have got to stand up, he gets too tight and gets turned. I think (Rodrigo) Bentancur has to slide in earlier as well and take that the ball out for a corner.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we just watch this, from an experienced defender, look at Romero here. Eyes on the ball. He\u2019s not looked at (Danny Welbeck). He has actually put himself in a poor position; hasn\u2019t opened his body up once and has actually walked from a good position to get into a bad position. Then he has just ball-watched. He is a spectator. He might as well be in row Z watching from behind the goal. If you defend like that, then you are going to get punished.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite his current form, Romero\u2019s quality is unquestionable. Tottenham fans and Postecoglou will be hoping Romero can quickly turn things around and help solidify the backline, especially as the team looks to push for a top-four finish in the Premier League.<\/p>\n
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