BBC pundit says Romero gives Tottenham something they really lacked

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Ashley Williams has told Match of the Day 2 that Cristian Romero has given Tottenham Hotspur something that they have not had for a long time, and even compared the centre-back with Virgil van Dijk following his display against West Ham.

Romero helped Tottenham to a massive win on Sunday in their battle to make the top-four in the Premier League. Antonio Conte’s side beat the Hammers 3-1 in North London to move fifth in the table ahead of the international break.

Of course, how Harry Kane and Son Heung-min fared against West Ham’s defence was always set to be crucial. But the battle between Romero and Michail Antonio at the other end of the pitch had the potential to be just as pivotal.

Antonio is a player opposition defenders really struggle to contain. Meanwhile, Romero has been outstanding for Tottenham for much of the last few months. So something obviously had to give.

Ultimately, it was the Argentinian who came out on top. Romero actually made three tackles, three clearances and three interceptions, according to Whoscored. Antonio meanwhile, came off 11 minutes into the second-half.

And Williams suggested that Romero deserves enormous credit for the way he continues to impress with Tottenham.

“Today, he was excellent and up against a tough opponent, Antonio. He thrived off it. Antonio came off in the end,” he told Match of the Day 2.

“This is what I like about him, he’s tough, he’s solid, he’s strong. He likes the battle, he doesn’t shy away from it at all. He’s brave enough to try and step in to win things in front. I love this tackle, this is on Yarmolenko. Great timing.

“There’s comparisons with Virgil van Dijk there, upper body strength. He doesn’t get beat much in a one v one. And I think he’s given Spurs something this season that they haven’t had for a while.”

Romero transfer could be game-changer for Tottenham

Many point to the arrival of van Dijk as a key moment for Liverpool. Certainly, no single signing seemed to do more to elevate the Reds than that of the Dutchman.

Of course, it would be a huge ask to expect Romero to be as significant at Tottenham. But reports have claimed that some at the club believe that he could transform their fortunes.

On current evidence, that is certainly looking to be a very valid view.