Dejan Kulusevski issues Cristian Romero verdict after Tottenham win

Add as preferred source on Google

Dejan Kulusevski has issued his verdict on Cristian Romero after the Tottenham Hotspur defender was arguably fortunate to avoid a red card against Newcastle United on Sunday.

Kulusevski was speaking to the Evening Standard after the centre-back received plenty of criticism for what appeared to be a completely unnecessary challenge on Callum Wilson.

Cristian Romero had appeared to turn a corner in the early months of this season. The Argentinian was one of those who was well below par last year. But alongside Micky van de Ven, he appeared to finding his best form once again.

Dejan Kulusevski lauds Cristian Romero

However, his red card against Chelsea was a reminder of the other side of the 25-year-old’s game. He has only been back for two fixtures. And it is fair to say that he could have had few complaints had he been sent off against once again.

Romero challenged Callum Wilson, initially catching him quite high. And then his trailing leg also decided to have a swipe at the Newcastle striker. The VAR however, decided to agree with the referee’s decision to award a yellow card.

Gary Neville was extremely critical of Romero. But Dejan Kulusevski has insisted that the Tottenham squad have the utmost faith in the co-vice-captain.

“He gives us so much, he’s an unbelievable player and he always plays on that mark,” he told the Evening Standard.

“The only one that knows how long he can go is him. We’ve got to trust him, I trust him. He’s my brother so whatever he does we support him.

“He’s a very important player for the team. He’s a World Cup winner, he’s a champion. A big player, a great defender but very calm with the ball, always looking for the right pass.”

Hard to defend Tottenham star after Sunday

The problem is that Tottenham can never fully rely on Romero to not lose his head in future. His foul on Wilson was not his only questionable challenge of the game.

And what it makes it all the more baffling is that Tottenham were in complete control. It was apparent from the early stages that Ange Postecoglou’s side could blow Newcastle away. So there was absolutely no need for Romero to feel that he needs to get stuck in.

Kulusevski is completely right. Romero is a sensational player. But it is alarming that some of the worst parts of his game appear to still be present right now.