One of the primary speaking factors of Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-1 victory over newly-promoted Fulham on Saturday was the return of defender Cristian Romero, with the Argentina worldwide having been absent from the final three league video games as a result of harm.
The north London outfit had picked up two wins and a draw throughout his time on the sidelines – together with his substitute Davinson Sanchez having notably impressed – with the 24-year-old probably fearing for his place as a part of Spurs’ again three.
Any fears had been little question quashed following what was a usually good show from the previous Atalanta man towards the Cottagers, with it seemingly a marker of each his high quality and his significance to the facet that he was thrust straight again into the beginning XI by supervisor Antonio Conte.
As presenter Craig Mitch said, the 11-cap gem merely makes the “team better” when he’s on the pitch, with the hosts wanting much more settled each out and in of possession because of his return towards Marco Silva’s facet.
Despite a late wobble – by which the in-form Aleksandar Mitrovic pulled a aim again following earlier strikes from Pierre-Emile Hojberg and Harry Kane – Spurs had been largely answerable for proceedings, ultimately recording 23 photographs and 51.7% possession by shut of play.
Romero was integral to that dominance as he notably recorded a massively spectacular 96% cross accuracy charge, with Seb Stafford-Bloor insisting that it was “no surprise to see a big leap in the passing quality” because of the centre-back’s return – in addition to the inclusion of summer signing Clement Llenglet.
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The £43.2m-rated sensation additionally registered 4 clearances, three interceptions and two tackles within the win, whereas successful all three of his aerial duels and finishing 49 profitable passes.
An actual main determine in each a defensive sense and whereas in possession, the £165k-per-week colossus proved but once more simply why he’s so integral to Conte’s plans, having solely just lately been signed on a permanent deal after final season’s gorgeous mortgage spell.
Lauded as an “animal” by teammate Pierluigi Gollini, this newest efficiency was much more measured and composed from the one-time Genoa man, showcasing extra to his sport than simply an aggressive, dogged method.
While the Lilywhites could have carried out nicely in his absence, this outing was a reminder of simply how important Romero is to the group.
