Postecoglou discussed a Tottenham defender and his aggressive style.
Ange Postecoglou provided insights into Cristian Romero at Tottenham, highlighting that the defender’s intensity carries off the pitch too.
The Argentine international is well-known for his aggressive playing style, collecting eight yellow cards and two red cards in the Premier League this season. His latest red card against Manchester United, following a challenge on Casemiro, has led to a four-match suspension at a critical time for Spurs.
Postecoglou noted that Romero’s approach is evident even in training, often leaving teammates on edge due to his forceful methods during drills and competitive situations.
Cristian Romero – a force to be reckoned with?
On The Overlap, Postecoglou shared his thoughts about Romero:
“I like him, and he plays aggressively, but he really intimidates people in practice,”
“I appreciate the way he communicates. He does cross the line sometimes in practice, and while the coaches express concern, I say, ‘You tell him, I won’t.’”
Romero’s readiness to engage physically and assert dominance makes him a tough adversary. In a team that has occasionally lacked toughness, his personality can be intimidating.
However, it’s crucial to manage aggression effectively. While playing on the edge is a quality of top defenders, the elite separate themselves through their ability to control it. Paolo Maldini excelled with anticipation and timing, while Virgil van Dijk exhibits similar skills.
Romero still needs to refine this balance. The intensity that disrupts opponents can also lead to costly mistakes, such as mis timed tackles or unnecessary confrontations. Spurs losing their captain for four matches during a challenging period highlights the risks of crossing that line too often.
There’s a growing feeling that this partnership might not last much longer. With increasing interest from abroad and Romero showing frustration with the club’s direction, a split may happen by summer. We can only reflect on how his aggressive style has been both a strength and a challenge.