Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte describes defender Cristian Romero as ‘new signing’
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Southampton clash (h/t football.london), Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte praised defender Cristian Romero and described him as a ‘new signing’ for the head coach.
Romero started his first game under the Italian boss against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend in the fourth round of the FA Cup, playing nearly the entire game as Spurs ran out 3-1 winners against the Seagulls.
Conte liked what he saw from the Argentine, and appreciated the abilities that the defender has to thrive in the English top-flight.
“He is an important player for me and the team. He is strong and he anticipates, he has a good personality to play with the ball. He has good experience and I like him.”
It was a solid showing from a player who made a return to action for the first after spending months on the sidelines due to an injury. Romero looked assured and confident on the ball, despite playing at such a high level after a long-term injury.
A new signing
The 23-year-old centre-back slotted alongside Davinson Sanchez and Ben Davies in Conte’s preferred three-man defence. Against the Seagulls, the defender made four tackles, two interceptions, and five clearances whilst boasting a 97.1% passing accuracy.
Conte hailed the impact that Romero had in the game, calling him an important player for the team. Due to the limited appearances he has made under Conte, the Italian also described him as a new signing.
“He is an important player for me. He is a new signing for me because he played three games with me, and only one game in the league.”
The Atalanta loanee was signed the previous summer after an excellent season with the Italian side that saw him named Serie A’s Best Defender for the 2020/21 season. Romero has brought over that same form to England, settling into the Spurs’ back-line quickly.
Despite injury issues keeping him out of the team, he has arguably been Tottenham’s best defender this season. Most new signings would take their time to adapt to the English game, but Romero has only revelled in it.
More Tottenham Hotspur News
- Fabrizio Romano: Champions League football key for Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane to stay at the club
- Southampton looking to trump Tottenham Hotspur to Nico Lawrence and Michael Craig
- Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte says new signings are ready for the Premier League
On Sunday, Romero looked far superior to his fellow defenders despite making his first start of the year after a lengthy injury layoff. Conte will be relieved to have the player back for the second half of the campaign as we look to climb up the Premier League table, beginning with the game against Southampton later tonight.
We can hope that Romero stays injury-free for the rest of the campaign, and stabilises a rearguard that has looked shaky at times. Given his recent form, we can expect him to start the game against the Saints and put in another impressive display.
