Jonathan Woodgate backs Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero to get even better under Antonio Conte
Speaking to Genting Casino (h/t Mirror), Former Premier League player Jonathan Woodgate has tipped Cristian Romero to become even better under the tutelage of Antonio Conte. The 42-year-old was full of praise for the Argentine and even mentioned the likes of Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini in the same conversation.
The Lilyhwites have had a very tumultuous season so far. Despite their perceived difficulties, there is still a ray of hope in their last couple of fixtures in the Premier League where they trashed the likes of Leeds United and Everton respectively.
The Italian head coach has played with his preferred back-three defensive setup ever since arriving at N-17. The North Londoners currently lineup with Eric Dier, Ben Davies, and Romero in the backline.
However, there has been some amount of shuffling which may lead us to believe that the 52-year-old may not entirely be happy with his options at the back. Despite this, Woodgate has squashed such notions and seems to be a fan of the Argentine defender.
In his conversation with Genting Casino (h/t Mirror), the former PL centre-back showered praise on him, especially with respect to the aggression that he brings to the pitch.
“I know he’s still only young, 23 years old, Argentinian international. I like when he tries to defend on the front foot. He’s aggressive, he wants to try and win the ball when he goes up to the striker, and that’s what I like my defence to do.”
“I don’t like defenders who sit off, I want them to be aggressive. That’s what I like about him. He’s only going to get better with a manager of Conte’s standards. A manager who’s worked with Bonucci, Chiellini, these are top players we’re talking about, and I’m sure he’s going to learn even more from Conte. I do like him.”
Do Tottenham Hotspur need a stronger defensive setup?
Whilst the club does possess some really talented players like Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min in the attacking department, the defensive setup at Hotspur Way has been a bit of a concern in recent seasons.
Dier has slowly started to cement his position at the heart of the defence but the club has not been able to nail down a starting central defensive partnership. Whilst Romero has shown immense potential in that role, his injury issues have at times disrupted whatever momentum that was being created.
The Lilywhites have at times crumbled under pressure. That being said, the Argentine defender is still in the nascent stages of his career with the North Londoners and still has a long way to go.
Conte has managed to bring out the best from his players in his spells at Juventus, Chelsea, and Inter Milan. The 23-year-old can learn a lot from someone with the credentials and experience of the 52-year-old ex-Chelsea manager.
It may be too early to say anything with absolute certainty but we do hope that Woodgate’s comments on the young defender do turn out to be true in the long run. A top-four finish in the Premier League could be viewed as the most realistic target for the North Londoners at this moment.
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Whilst that is easier said than done, all the players will have to step up to the plate and start delivering on a consistent basis. The fact that we do not have the distraction of any other competitions could deliver a slight edge in this pursuit as we look to secure a top-four finish this season.
