Cristian Romero’s season has been rocky, raising questions among Tottenham fans and putting pressure on the management. The decisive goal conceded against Crystal Palace exemplifies the collective errors that have plagued Spurs, leading to their fourth Premier League defeat this season.
The blame for Jean-Philippe Mateta’s winning goal can be shared among several players. Guglielmo Vicario’s questionable distribution, Romero’s careless passing across the box, and Micky van de Ven’s failure to control the ball all contributed to the goal. Additionally, Pedro Porro and Romero’s poor clearance allowed Mateta to score. Ange Postecoglou’s tactical decisions, particularly against a team known for high pressing, also deserve scrutiny.
The goal was emblematic of Tottenham’s self-sabotage, reflecting a series of mistakes rather than one significant blunder. However, Romero’s involvement has become a recurring issue this season. While the Premier League stats indicate he hasn’t made direct errors leading to goals, he has been partially responsible for over half of the ten goals conceded by Spurs.
Romero’s faults have been glaringly evident in crucial moments. He lost track of Jamie Vardy, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Danny Welbeck in key matches, resulting in goals that cost Spurs vital points. Against Newcastle, his decision to press high left him out of position, contributing to goals conceded.
His errors often stem from poor decision-making, ball-watching, and risky passes—mistakes he rarely makes while playing for Argentina, where he has been instrumental in their recent success. At the international level, he consistently performs at a world-class level, whereas his club form has been inconsistent.
There are several potential explanations for Romero’s struggles. Postecoglou’s high-risk style demands a lot from central defenders, and Romero has been heavily relied upon after participating in multiple international tournaments. Additionally, rumors of Real Madrid’s interest may distract him as he approaches the final two years of his contract.
Despite his form, it seems unlikely that Postecoglou will bench Romero anytime soon. He has captained the team in Son Heung-min’s absence and has received praise for his mentality and quality. Interestingly, Romero has improved his discipline, remaining card-free this season, which could indicate maturity.
However, continuous mistakes could threaten his position in the starting lineup. Other players, like James Maddison, have faced consequences for poor performances, suggesting that no player is above scrutiny.
At his best, Romero is a vital asset for Spurs, but currently, his spot in the lineup relies more on his reputation than his recent form, creating a dilemma for Postecoglou as he looks to rebound from yet another disappointing defeat.