Cristian Romero

[Muttley]

In Sarr’s defence he’d just sprinted up the other end of the pitch to create a good chance which Son squandered and what with the amount of minutes he’s being forced to play lately he’s probably running on fumes.

Kulusevski did a better job of tracking back but we certainly could do with a better defensive shield than Bentancur who’s sadly not been a one man midfield army since the cruciate plus ankle injuries whilst Bissouma remains inconsistent and the gaffer don’t seem to trust Gray in that position as yet.

View attachment 18017

Sarr is a great kid who gives everything for our shirt. He needs to be careful he doesn't end up like Sissoko though who just played with his heart and didn't seem to have a care for what team mates needed. A few years ago we ended up with players as classy as Eriksen and Winks being the water carriers for Sissoko, as they had the football brain to make sure we were defensively sound before tearing off up the right wing. At the time, Sissoko destroyed their natural games as he never played for anyone but himself.

In my mind, Sarr is way better than Sissoko, but he does have that same trait of not thinking for the collective. He has that naivety of a kid who thinks he can always recover when caught ahead of play. He should go and watch some early Dele who always had his defensive smarts on. Dele would end up in front of the back four, when Eriksen, Dembele and Wanyama were attacking their box. He just smelt the danger and run the miles to make sure we only conceded 26 goals in the PL.

It's hard to explain, but when you keep seeing all 3 of our midfielders caught ahead of play, you know there is a tactical flaw and they're not yet a cohesive unit. The buck stops with Ange on that. In my mind, it is also related to why we become so stretched and concede those far post goals. It's not as if Sonny or Johnson are doing their bit either. They are both weak defensively.

I do reluctantly agree about Bentancur though. Under Conte he used to carry Hojbjerg and shut down every bit of space with his eyes shut. He was a fantastic 6 when he first came to our club.

 

[braineclipse]

It’s a very tricky situation but I’m thinking more along the same lines as Bedford tbh, that Romero should realise he’s never getting to Hutchinson before he can lay it off so should drop back with Dragusin to give Bentancur and Kulusevski a chance to get back and help.

Although after opting for that high press Romero still had the opportunity to track Szmodics but for some reason slows down his run on the edge of the area which means his lunge is then too late to cut out the cross.

View attachment 18016

I think he's trying to play him offside.

 

[SteveAWOL]

Started against Paraguay but could only look on as Sanabria equalised with an overhead kick and Romero was subbed at half time due to his injured right foot.

 

[metalgear]

Started against Paraguay but could only look on as Sanabria equalised with an overhead kick and Romero was subbed at half time due to his injured right foot.

romero is a stupid professional who prioritizes playing for country and can't find a good balance for his long term fitness.
my expectation is he won't be ready when the epl resumes but will be at top form for the next international break.

lo celso was the same and we haven't learnt from it.

sell and we should be able to afford guehi, lacrois, milenkovic or van Hecke with some spare change and more commitment to the club easily

 

[braineclipse]

romero is a stupid professional who prioritizes playing for country and can't find a good balance for his long term fitness.
my expectation is he won't be ready when the epl resumes but will be at top form for the next international break.

lo celso was the same and we haven't learnt from it.

sell and we should be able to afford guehi, lacrois, milenkovic or van Hecke with some spare change and more commitment to the club easily

I guess I could understand the speculations and accusations about Lo Celso. He was injured a lot for us, and did play quite a bit for Argentina.

I fail to see how Romero gets the same aimed at him. Other than some injuries which are to be expected he's played a lot for us. Some speculation (not sure how credible) that he was playing with a fever after the last international break. Foot injury that reportedly meant he only played 45 for Argentina? Yet started and played the 90 for us against Ipswich.

If playing while somewhat injured for us is a problem for his health and long term fitness that's an issue with the club. Most players want to play even if somewhat injured, and not wanting that was the exact criticism Lo Celso received iirc.

 

[yiddo37]

I think he's trying to play him offside.

Bit stupid then when Porro is clearly in front of him

 

[braineclipse]

I really don't understand the magnitude of criticism against Romero. Or wanting him replaced or dropped for Dragusin when VdV is back.

Even accepting all of the criticism against him as valid this would be a 10 game period where he's been poor. After quite a while at the club where he's been our best CB and then if second best with VdV only so because VdV is awesome.

He's the only/best real ball playing CB we have in the first team. We need more of those, not less. He has experience winning things, playing in huge games under pressure. Experience we really need. Even if he's had 10 substandard games following a summer with international tournaments and coming at a time when the team as a whole has been inconsistent.

What happened to giving players time to get back to their best? Who are the players in our team that haven't been inconsistent?

I was wondering who the spacegoat would be when some of the previous one's left this summer. I thought Johnson was quite likely, and he's definitely gotten his share. Did not see Romero being the one, but guess I'm naive.

 

[Bedfordspurs]

I really don't understand the magnitude of criticism against Romero. Or wanting him replaced or dropped for Dragusin when VdV is back.

Even accepting all of the criticism against him as valid this would be a 10 game period where he's been poor. After quite a while at the club where he's been our best CB and then if second best with VdV only so because VdV is awesome.

He's the only/best real ball playing CB we have in the first team. We need more of those, not less. He has experience winning things, playing in huge games under pressure. Experience we really need. Even if he's had 10 substandard games following a summer with international tournaments and coming at a time when the team as a whole has been inconsistent.

What happened to giving players time to get back to their best? Who are the players in our team that haven't been inconsistent?

I was wondering who the spacegoat would be when some of the previous one's left this summer. I thought Johnson was quite likely, and he's definitely gotten his share. Did not see Romero being the one, but guess I'm naive.

Oh Johnson still is for some, trust me
And he isn’t the scape goat but he is frequently now, failing in the feeding basics on crosses. Others are too bug as you say, he is our best CB and it’s fair to expect him to do more on the scenarios we are conceding in

 

[Jordinho]

I really don't understand the magnitude of criticism against Romero. Or wanting him replaced or dropped for Dragusin when VdV is back.

Even accepting all of the criticism against him as valid this would be a 10 game period where he's been poor. After quite a while at the club where he's been our best CB and then if second best with VdV only so because VdV is awesome.

He's the only/best real ball playing CB we have in the first team. We need more of those, not less. He has experience winning things, playing in huge games under pressure. Experience we really need. Even if he's had 10 substandard games following a summer with international tournaments and coming at a time when the team as a whole has been inconsistent.

What happened to giving players time to get back to their best? Who are the players in our team that haven't been inconsistent?

I was wondering who the spacegoat would be when some of the previous one's left this summer. I thought Johnson was quite likely, and he's definitely gotten his share. Did not see Romero being the one, but guess I'm naive.

I'm not turning on Romero now. I've been unconvinced since day one and I'm not seeing anything to make me a believer. His age and contract situation means now is the time to make a decision (same goes for Bissouma). There's no best to get back to, this is as good as it's going to get from both.

 

[ricky2tricky4city]

Can’t keep going on these suicidal high presses without Cheatmode playing to cover that vast space he leaves behind, or a Rodri level CMF who will slot in until he can get back into position.

View attachment 18006

This is still not dangerous....our decisions on how we let it play out IS dangerous.

Being able to throw a blanket over our CM three is not great in the first place.

When the ball gets played out wide to their widest man, Porro goes to engage and Romero goes with the other Ipswich runner from wide. For some reason as they get into the area Romero hesitates (playing offside?) this gives his man the separation to receive the ball in space to cross.

In the middle it's two on two BUT Radu comes away from his man (Delap who scores)...Destiny tries to come off his man to get to Delap but it would be fruitless anyway as he is the wrong side. Plus not forgetting Destiny has just left his own man, not ideal.

Now if Romero doesn't hesitate (greater chance of blocking the cross or even forcing the player not to cross ) and the two boys in the middle just stay with their opponent....I reckon the chance of a goal is reduced by 90%.

Of course Romero could not come out to engage in the first place as we had Bents and Deki within 5-10yds of the man originally in possession BUT its miles from being a fateful move

 

[Bedfordspurs]

I think he slows down because he is injured still
He only played through it so he could represent his country this week

Appears he go subbed last night at half time because…. He is injured
FFS, when will players learn

 

[metalgear]

Appears he go subbed last night at half time because…. He is injured
FFS, when will players learn

Tottenham player pulls out of international duty due to injury - Spurs Web

One on-loan Tottenham man pulls out of international duty due to an injury after being forced off in the first-half of his last league appearance...

www.spurs-web.com

some players are just born smart i guess

 

[Dicko]

Argentina are clear at the top of the qualifying group already, In a group of 10 teams where the top 6 (plus 7th is a play off) qualify!! And he still tried to turn up and play through the pain etc.

 

[billyiddo]

I really don't understand the magnitude of criticism against Romero. Or wanting him replaced or dropped for Dragusin when VdV is back.

Even accepting all of the criticism against him as valid this would be a 10 game period where he's been poor. After quite a while at the club where he's been our best CB and then if second best with VdV only so because VdV is awesome.

He's the only/best real ball playing CB we have in the first team. We need more of those, not less. He has experience winning things, playing in huge games under pressure. Experience we really need. Even if he's had 10 substandard games following a summer with international tournaments and coming at a time when the team as a whole has been inconsistent.

What happened to giving players time to get back to their best? Who are the players in our team that haven't been inconsistent?

I was wondering who the spacegoat would be when some of the previous one's left this summer. I thought Johnson was quite likely, and he's definitely gotten his share. Did not see Romero being the one, but guess I'm naive.

It's likely that he will leave soon so people are getting in early with their criticism

 

[SteveAWOL]

This is still not dangerous....our decisions on how we let it play out IS dangerous.

Being able to throw a blanket over our CM three is not great in the first place.

When the ball gets played out wide to their widest man, Porro goes to engage and Romero goes with the other Ipswich runner from wide. For some reason as they get into the area Romero hesitates (playing offside?) this gives his man the separation to receive the ball in space to cross.

In the middle it's two on two BUT Radu comes away from his man (Delap who scores)...Destiny tries to come off his man to get to Delap but it would be fruitless anyway as he is the wrong side. Plus not forgetting Destiny has just left his own man, not ideal.

Now if Romero doesn't hesitate (greater chance of blocking the cross or even forcing the player not to cross ) and the two boys in the middle just stay with their opponent....I reckon the chance of a goal is reduced by 90%.

Of course Romero could not come out to engage in the first place as we had Bents and Deki within 5-10yds of the man originally in possession BUT its miles from being a fateful move

Guess it’s partly a case of too many square pegs in round holes, as all 3 of those midfielders are better in #8 position than as a 6 whilst Dragusin is rusty plus still trying to learn LCB position and both our full backs are better suited to being wing-backs; Porro doesn’t have to worry so much playing for Spain as Zubimendi shields their area like Rodri whilst Udogie has 3 CBs and a DMF to provide cover when he’s attacking for Italy.

 

[thfcsteff]

I guess I could understand the speculations and accusations about Lo Celso. He was injured a lot for us, and did play quite a bit for Argentina.

I fail to see how Romero gets the same aimed at him. Other than some injuries which are to be expected he's played a lot for us. Some speculation (not sure how credible) that he was playing with a fever after the last international break. Foot injury that reportedly meant he only played 45 for Argentina? Yet started and played the 90 for us against Ipswich.

If playing while somewhat injured for us is a problem for his health and long term fitness that's an issue with the club. Most players want to play even if somewhat injured, and not wanting that was the exact criticism Lo Celso received iirc.

I did not think he should've started based on the information we had (which is obviously thousands of miles from the real information LOL)...it is an issue that the club need to address as it does not help the player or the club. There is a thought going around which says the reason he declared himself fit to play against Ipswich was because he did not want to miss international duty. Who knows? I know he is VERY popular with his team mates.

As for the incredulousness with regards to criticisms of Romero this season, I think there's a middle path reality and, indeed, a dialectic.
Romero is a wonderfully talented footballer and he has been under-performing for most of the season.
I'll try another.
Romero is the most talented CB we have by some distance and he has made too many unforced errors leading to goals to be ignored.

Nothing is black and white.

 

[thfcsteff]

Guess it’s partly a case of too many square pegs in round holes, as all 3 of those midfielders are better in #8 position than as a 6 whilst Dragusin is rusty plus still trying to learn LCB position and both our full backs are better suited to being wing-backs; Porro doesn’t have to worry so much playing for Spain as Zubimendi shields their area like Rodri whilst Udogie has 3 CBs and a DMF to provide cover when he’s attacking for Italy.

I agree with this.

 

[Bishop]

I did not think he should've started based on the information we had (which is obviously thousands of miles from the real information LOL)...it is an issue that the club need to address as it does not help the player or the club. There is a thought going around which says the reason he declared himself fit to play against Ipswich was because he did not want to miss international duty. Who knows? I know he is VERY popular with his team mates.

As for the incredulousness with regards to criticisms of Romero this season, I think there's a middle path reality and, indeed, a dialectic.
Romero is a wonderfully talented footballer and he has been under-performing for most of the season.
I'll try another.
Romero is the most talented CB we have by some distance and he has made too many unforced errors leading to goals to be ignored.

Nothing is black and white.

I don't think he needed to be seen as fit for the Ipswich game to play for Argentina. They would have called him up anyway and they have the right to asses any injuries themselves. That's why you often see players with knocks who didn't make their team's last match still being called up by their international side only to then be sent back home once their injury status has been confirmed. He might have wanted to play to either confirm his own fitness to himself or to be a bit of lionheart when VDV is also missing and we are lacking in CBs. I think the latter is quite likely.

 

[harr1984]

It's likely that he will leave soon so people are getting in early with their criticism

Not that I've particularly piled in of late, but he's been criticised since his early days for his rashness and brain farts (in typical GG style you can find it in this thread/match thread after his first match for us). Nothing has changed in that regard, and therefore neither has the criticism. This criticism hasn't just recently appeared because of the odd link to Real Madrid....

 

[Muttley]

I don't think he needed to be seen as fit for the Ipswich game to play for Argentina. They would have called him up anyway and they have the right to asses any injuries themselves. That's why you often see players with knocks who didn't make their team's last match still being called up by their international side only to then be sent back home once their injury status has been confirmed. He might have wanted to play to either confirm his own fitness to himself or to be a bit of lionheart when VDV is also missing and we are lacking in CBs. I think the latter is quite likely.

I think there is always an element of the physios trusting the players judgment, especially with injuries like ligaments. No doubt he was a lionheart for both club and country.

In other sports, playing for your country is the be all and end all of your sporting life. If you miss out through injury, another player might come in and take it. I admire the South Americans for still having this basic ethos around the game, regardless of what the toxic money men have done to the game. These players like Romoer really cherish every cap. I'm sure it is great for their mental wellbeing to set foot in their home countries after spending their entire lives away.

cue -"yes, but the club pays their salaries"