Cristian Romero embodies everything you’ve expect from a passionate Argentinian defender. Vocal, hard in the tackle, using gamesmanship tactics and just general s**t housery (for those of you unfamiliar with this term, Google popular English slang in football/soccer!)
You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone
Janet Jackson never sang a truer lyric. The Fulham debacle last weekend was terrible for many reasons. Mainly the nature of their second goal and how the Spurs fans reacted to it, both during and after the game.
However, no one really discussed the importance of the Tottenham captain. Romero was suspended for that 2-1 defeat, after clocking up five yellow cards.
Kevin Danso and Micky van de Ven were the centre-back pairing on that night, but it almost feels like they both play better alongside a certain South American.
I need a hero
Sticking with a song lyric theme, a Bonnie Tyler number could’ve been used in a montage for the Newcastle match during the week. Romero returned to the starting lineup and what an impact he had.
The skipper picked up his (seemingly) obligatory yellow card in the first half, before clawing his team back into the game not once, but twice, with his amazing brace of goals.
The first one was an impressive diving header from a Mohammed Kudus cross and the second one was an audacious overhead kick in the 95th minute. You can label that effort “shinaldo” as the ball may have struck more shin than foot, but Tottenham didn’t care less, as they picked up another point on the road.
Justice League
Having already won the World Cup and the Europa League, Romero could probably apply for a place in the Justice League as a footballing superhero. Justice was also the feeling Tottenham supporters had after that thrilling 2-2 draw. Mainly because of the nature of the Magpies second goal: an 86th minute Anthony Gordon penalty that was given by the villainous VAR.
Referee Thomas Bramall didn’t give the penalty originally, but was advised to go to his screen by the booth. Rodrigo Bentancur was adjudged to have fouled Dan Burn, even though it looked like six of one and half a dozen of the other.
Most pundits and fans alike have condemned the decision and more questions are being raised about how the video assistant referee is used in the game.
Vigilante behaviour
Romero revelled in limelight at St James Park, even copying the celebration of Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes by cupping his ears.
The Brazilian came on as a substitute and opened the scoring for the Toon, only for the Argentinian to tear up the script and spoil his fun. Things seemed to get a bit heated between the two at the full-time whistle as well. These South American rivals have been at it before and I doubt it will be the last time either.
Proving the doubters wrong
Romero has had his fair share of critics since he moved to North London. This criticism has mainly stemmed from his injury record and hotheaded approach to the game.
However, after being a key member of the team that produced European glory, he was made club captain and signed a new bumper deal. Opposing fans love to hate him, but that’s why he’s become a cult figure in N17.
Everything seemed rosey again, but some cracks have started to appear in recent weeks. The 27 year-old made a bad mistake for the third goal against PSG and there’s been other games where the weight of responsibility on his shoulders looks to have had an effect on his performances.
Not camera shy anymore
There’s also the fact that he doesn’t speak much English, so he never seems to do many interviews. If you’re not the captain of a big Premier League club then I don’t think this is an issue, but if you are then I feel you need to face the music sometimes and talk to the media. Especially after a defeat.
I was thinking about this during the draw with Newcastle, then after the match, lo and behold, Romero appeared in front of a Sky Sports microphone.
He was asked about his last gasp bicycle kick and reminded the interviewer that he has trained with a certain Lionel Messi many times when selected for Argentina.
It certainly was an eventful night for “Cuti” (as he’s fondly known by friends and teammates) and long may it continue.
