Cristian Romero has revealed that he was not expecting to be named as a vice-captain by Ange Postecoglou, referring to the Australian’s decision as a ‘beautiful surprise’.
Romero is only into his third season at Tottenham but he is already one of the senior heads at the club, with the Lilywhites now building quite a young side.
The 25-year-old was named as one of the two vice-captains to Son Heung-min, alongside new signing James Maddison, with The Athletic’s Charlie Eccleshare explaining last week that Postecoglou is of the belief that the leadership responsibilities will aid in Romero’s development and help him to mature.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Argentinian defender #17 Cristian Romero (L) challenges Bournemouth’s English striker #09 Dominic Solanke during the English Premier League football match between Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, southern England, on August 26, 2023. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Cristian Romero was not expecting vice-captaincy
When asked about being named as Son’s deputy, Romero told The Evening Standard: “It was a beautiful surprise, I wasn’t expecting it. I’m always grateful to have the trust of the club and the coach and I’m always trying to transmit my energy to my team-mates.
“It’s a new role, I’m learning, but I have great examples [of leadership] from my [former] clubs and Argentina. You would have to ask the coach [what he has seen in me], but I always give 100 per cent. I have years left on my contract here and I’m very happy here.”
The centre-back is now also the leader of a new-look Tottenham backline, which consists of youngsters such as Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie, with the former Atalanta man admitting that he has been impressed by the newcomers.
He said: “I have been surprised by Destiny. But not only him, Micky, [Manor] Solomon, Bissouma, Vicario — they’ve all brought new energy and we needed that.”
Spurs Web Opinion
While Romero undoubtedly possesses leadership qualities, Ange’s decision to give him the vice-captaincy is a shrewd move politically.
Not only does it keep the centre-back happy and force him to show more maturity, but it also keeps the club’s Spanish contingent onside, with the 27-year-old clearly being quite influential in that group.
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