Cristian Romero Out, Luka Vuskovic In? Why Tottenham need a defensive change - Opinion

Cristian Romero’s aggressive style has produced both moments of brilliance and frustration at Tottenham. But if Spurs are serious about building a reliable defence, turning to Luka Vuskovic could be the smart next step.

Since arriving in the summer of 2021, Cristian Romero has embodied the aggressive, front-foot defending that Tottenham supporters crave.

A World Cup winner with undeniable quality, the Argentine remains one of Spurs’ most talented defenders, despite his litany of missteps on and off the pitch.

His recurring suspensions, moments of madness, and seeming frustration with the Tottenham hierarchy have brought instability to a fragile defence. 

With the highly rated teenage defender Luka Vuskovic emerging as one of the club’s most exciting young prospects, the time may be approaching for Tottenham to make a bold call. 

Composed beyond his years, comfortable in possession and capable of getting on the scoresheet, Vuskovic fits the profile of the modern centre back.

Cristian Romero is an elite defender, but a loose cannon

On his day, Romero is the kind of defender every team wants. He is fearless and aggressive, with tackling and aerial ability that have made him a standout performer at the back for Spurs.  

His late brace at St James’ Park, which consisted of an added-time bicycle kick, is a perfect example of his ability to step up and showcase his leadership in crucial moments. 

However, this brilliance comes with a price. Romero’s fiery temperament has led to suspensions at pivotal points. The most recent red card at Old Trafford came at a time when Spurs were enjoying a positive spell in the game.

Just nine minutes after his dismissal, Mbuemo put United into the lead and, from then on, it was the same old losing story for Thomas Frank’s Spurs side.  

Romero will spend the next three league games suspended, missing out on the North London derby and crucial fixtures against Crystal Palace and Fulham. He already missed the 2-1 defeat at home to Newcastle too.

This comes at a time where Spurs’ squad is already stretched by injuries, with key leaders such as James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski among the list of absentees.

Constant déjà vu disasters with Romero at Tottenham

Romero’s recent sending off draws parallels with his red card against Chelsea at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in November 2023, which came at a point where Spurs were comfortably leading the game 1-0.

Romero’s rash tackle on midfielder Enzo Fernandez gave away a penalty, which Cole Palmer calmly converted. A subsequent sending off for Destiny Udogie and an injury to Van de Ven saw Chelsea storm to a 4-1 victory.

The loss saw Spurs knocked off top spot in the Premier League table after 11 games and marked the beginning of a significant dip in form. 

On top of this, rumours of Romero’s unhappiness at Spurs and potential interest from European clubs, have added to the uncertainty around the club captain.

With Tottenham aiming to climb back up to where they belong in the Premier League, consistency is crucial. Talent alone is not enough when a player’s availability and focus are in question.

There is no doubt that Romero remains a world-class defender, but Spurs cannot build a defence around an unsettled, ill-disciplined player.

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Why Luka Vuskovic is ready for the step up at Tottenham

Looking to the future, 18-year-old Luka Vuskovic represents the exact type of defender Tottenham can build around. 

The Croatian teen has shone during his loan at Hamburg this season, making 18 appearances and scoring 4 goals in the Bundesliga.

Statistical profiles have him among the most dominant aerial defenders in Europe’s top leagues, outperforming older and more established defenders.  

Unlike Romero, Vuskovic has rarely lost focus or let emotion dictate his decision-making, something that would certainly be welcomed by Spurs fans.

Vuskovic’s offensive threat also demonstrates that he can contribute more than just defensive solidity, making him an asset for a side who have historically looked to dominate possession.

With Romero unsettled and linked with a move away from North London, trusting Vuskovic is the bold, forward-thinking move Tottenham should make.

A necessary evolution: From Romero to Vuskovic

There is no denying that moving on from Cristian Romero will be a tough decision for Tottenham.

His quality, passion and leadership have played a huge role in shaping Spurs’ identity in recent years, and replacing a defender of his calibre is never straightforward.  

However, with growing uncertainty about Romero’s future, the timing feels right. Luka Vuskovic may be young, but his performances and profile suggest he is a perfect long-term solution. Not to mention the fact that Spurs could claim a decent bit of cash for the Argentine.

If Tottenham are serious about building a reliable, modern defence capable of competing at the highest level, bold decisions must be made.

Romero out and Vuskovic in would not be a step backwards, but a move toward stability, progression and a clearer future at the heart of Spurs’ defence.

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