Ossie Ardiles says the English press does not give one Spurs star enough respect

Ossie Ardiles thinks Cristian Romero does not get the plaudits he deserves from the English media, pointing out that the centre-back is now a lot more disciplined than used to be.

Romero has a reputation in England

While Spurs fans realise just how special of a player Romero is, the Argentine is still viewed by many in England as being quite rash.

The 26-year-old has struggled to shake off that reputation despite boasting of a much better disciplinary record off late.

Back in his home country, the press cannot stop waxing lyrical about Romero, who played a key role in the Albiceleste back-to-back Copa America wins and their World Cup victory last year.

Ardiles pointed out that anyone who has watched the defender play regularly, particularly for Argentina, would class him as one of the best in the world in his position.

The Spurs legend told Football.London about Romero: “I think this is something that the English press have picked up and try to highlight the fact. Some of them say he’s committing too many fouls.

“He has been voted not just the best defender in the Copa America, but the best player in the Copa America. That gives you an idea of how good he is.

“And wherever he goes, they say it. Messi said he’s the best defender in the world. I would say the same thing. He is the best central defender in the world. So yes, I mean in England they say ‘Oh, he’s a little bit rash’.

“No, I mean he’s a winner and he plays in a certain pace, that involves taking challenges. He’s taking a risk. After saying that it’s some kind of justification in what you are saying, and he has [become more disciplined]. After saying that it’s some kind of justification in what you are saying, and he has [become more disciplined].”

Romero plays the game his own way

Ardiles narrated a funny incident involving Romero, revealing that the centre-back paid no heed to his advice about playing cautiously ahead of a clash against Manchester United.

The 72-year-old continued: “I’ll tell you a story, this is funny. Against Manchester United at home, I’ve got Ricky Villa with me. So Ricky said ‘we have to go and say hello to Cuti before the game’. I don’t go before the game to say hello to people, but yes, no problem.

“So we went and said hello. No problem, and I said to him ‘Cuti, be careful, because they are kind of following you, the press, because you are (bangs fist into the palm of his hand)’.

“He says ‘I got it, I got it, don’t worry’. Then he goes out and in the first minute ‘bang’. It was so funny. So he wasn’t listening to me very much. He plays in this way where he takes risk but it’s wonderful.

“In fact, he could very easily go and play in midfield, a kind of defensive midfielder. He’s very good with the ball, that makes him special because central defenders are normally strong, but he’s very good with the ball, the passing and his passing ability is very good.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Players often take a long time to shake off the reputations they initially develop, which is the case with Romero.

Whatever the English press might think of the centre-back, Spurs fans certainly know how special the former Juventus man is.

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