Gary Lineker and Micah Richards rate Tottenham’s defensive partnership of Romero and Van de Ven
Gary Lineker and Micah Richards have stated that right now, there isn’t a better centre-back partnership in the league than Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.
Spurs are top of the table with 26 points from 10 matches, leading Arsenal and Manchester City by two points. A major reason behind Tottenham’s rise to the top is their defence.
Romero, who has been a regular starter since his arrival from Juventus, and Van de Ven, who was signed this summer from VfL Wolfsburg, have been Ange Postecoglou’s first-choice pairing at the back this term.
Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez have slipped as low as they could have in the pecking order. Tottenham have let in just nine goals in 10 games — with six of those coming in 2-2 draws against Fulham, Arsenal, and Chelsea.
They make good points
Only Arsenal (8) and Manchester City (7) have conceded fewer times in the Premier League this season. Speaking about Tottenham’s defensive pairing, Lineker told the Rest is Football podcast (h/t Football.London):
“And at the back, Van de Ven and Romero. Is there a better defensive partnership in the Premier League at the moment? You perhaps look at Manchester City but they tend to move around their partnerships so much. What do you think Micah (Richards)?”
While agreeing with the former Barcelona and Tottenham striker’s verdict, the ex-Manchester City defender said:
“The only [thing] I would say about Spurs is that Romero, he tends to get a little bit excited from time to time. Exactly (he could get himself a red card.)”
The key has been consistency. Spurs were also smart to sign a tall, left-footed centre-back who is just 22 years old and on the cusp of reaching his peak years. Romero can be the leader, and Van de Ven complements him well.
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Manchester City tend to switch between centre-back pairings a lot while Postecoglou has a set backline. Both have their own pros and cons but Tottenham shouldn’t fix what isn’t broken. A new centre-back can and should be brought in to increase the depth, but the starting XI spots in the centre of the defence are sorted for years to come.
