Spurs: Romero was biggest winner vs Fulham

One of many predominant 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 on account 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 sometimes sensible show from the previous Atalanta man towards the Cottagers, with it seemingly a marker of each his high quality and his significance to the aspect 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 aspect.

Regardless of 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 in command of 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 price, with Seb Stafford-Bloor insisting that it was “no shock to see a giant leap within the passing high quality” as a result of centre-back’s return – in addition to the inclusion of summer signing Clement Llenglet.

Had been you impressed by Romero’s return at the moment?

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 beautiful 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 recreation than simply an aggressive, dogged strategy.

Whereas the Lilywhites could have carried out properly in his absence, this outing was a reminder of simply how important Romero is to the group.