Cristian Romero (Argentine footballer)

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Cristian Romero
Cristian Gabriel Romero (cropped 2).png
Romero with Argentina U20 in 2017
Personal information
Full name Cristian Gabriel Romero [1]
Date of birth (1998-04-27) 27 April 1998 (age 26) [2]
Place of birth Córdoba, Argentina
Height 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) [3]
Position(s) Centre-back
Team information
Current team
 Tottenham Hotspur
Number 17
Youth career
2014–2016 Belgrano
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps(Gls)
2016–2018 Belgrano 16 (0)
2018–2019 Genoa 27 (2)
2019–2021 Juventus 0 (0)
2019–2020 → Genoa (loan) 30 (1)
2020–2021 → Atalanta (loan) 31 (2)
2021–2022 Atalanta 0 (0)
2021–2022 → Tottenham Hotspur (loan) 22 (1)
2022– Tottenham Hotspur 70 (6)
International career‡
2017 Argentina U20 7 (0)
2021– Argentina 39 (3)
Medal record
Men's football
Representing Flag of Argentina.svg  Argentina
FIFA World Cup
Winner 2022 Qatar
Copa América
Winner 2021 Brazil
Winner 2024 United States
CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions
Winner 2022 England
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 19:55, 3 November 2024 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 15 October 2024

Cristian Gabriel "Cuti" Romero (born 27 April 1998) [4] is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur and the Argentina national team. Renowned for his aggressive defensive approach, tackling ability, aerial dominance, and ball-playing ability, Romero is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the world.

Contents

Coming through the youth system, Romero began his senior career in 2016 at Belgrano. He moved to Italy in 2018, playing for Genoa. Romero was purchased by Juventus the following season; he was sent back on loan to Genoa before being sent on loan to Atalanta in 2020. After being nominated Serie A Best Defender in 2020–21 with Atalanta, the club exercised the option of purchase before promptly loaning Romero to Tottenham with an obligation to buy. After a successful loan spell, Romero was signed by Tottenham in 2022.

Romero represented Argentina at the youth level at the 2017 South American U-20 Championship. He made his senior debut in 2021 and was a key member of the squads that won the 2021 Copa América, 2022 FIFA World Cup, and 2024 Copa América.

Club career

Belgrano

Having joined the youth team in 2014, [5] Romero was promoted to Argentine Primera División side Belgrano's first team in 2016; [6] his debut came on 28 August, in a league match with Independiente. [2] One month later, Romero played in both of Belgrano's 2016 Copa Sudamericana round of 16 draws against Coritiba. [2] In two seasons with Belgrano's first-team, he made nineteen appearances in all competitions. [2]

Serie A

In July 2018, Romero joined Genoa of Serie A. [7] He scored his first senior goal in his second Genoa match, netting in a 2–2 draw with Udinese on 28 October, only to be sent off later. [2] On 9 July 2019, Juventus announced Romero was having a medical ahead of a requested transfer. [8]

On 12 July 2019, Juventus announced the permanent acquisition of Romero from Genoa for €26 million, with the player remaining at his former club on loan for the rest of the season. [9]

On 5 September 2020, Romero joined Atalanta on loan until 30 June 2022 with an option to buy. [10] He was elected the best defender of the 2020–21 Serie A season. [11]

Tottenham Hotspur

On 6 August 2021, Juventus announced that Atalanta had activated the option to sign Romero for €16 million. [12] Later that day, Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur announced his signing from Atalanta on an initial season-long loan with an option to make the deal permanent. [11] [13]

Romero debuted for the club on 15 August, coming on as a late substitute for Pierre-Emile Højbjerg in a match against Manchester City that Tottenham won 1–0. [14] On 19 August 2021, he made his first start in the UEFA Europa Conference League first leg tie against Paços de Ferreira, which ended in a 1–0 defeat. [15] Romero scored his first goal for Tottenham in a 2–0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion. On 30 August 2022, he signed for Tottenham permanently with a contract lasting until 2027. [16]

Ahead of the 2023–24 Premier League season, Romero was named as one of Tottenham's vice-captains. [17] He made a strong start to the season, being described by manager Ange Postecoglou as the “rock” in Tottenham's defence, and earning a nomination for the Player of the Month award in October. [18] [19] However, on 6 November 2023, Romero was shown a straight red card during Tottenham's 4–1 loss to rivals Chelsea. [20] It was his fourth red card since moving to the Premier League, more than any other player in that time. [21] Romero scored on his return from suspension, Tottenham's only goal in a 2–1 loss to West Ham United. [22]

International career

Youth

Romero has represented Argentina at the U20 level, winning seven caps at the 2017 South American U-20 Championship in Ecuador. [2] In April 2017, he was called up for Argentina's training camp ahead of the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup in South Korea but was not selected on the tournament squad list. [23] Romero was called up for the U23s in September 2019. [24]

Senior

On 3 June 2021, Romero debuted for the senior national team a World Cup qualifier against Chile, playing the full match. [25] In his second game for Argentina on 8 June, he scored his first international goal, coming from a thumping header against Colombia after only 130 seconds. This goal also broke the record for the fastest ever scored for Argentina in a professional match, surpassing Diego Maradona's goal after 168 seconds against Venezuela in 1985. [26]

In June 2021, Romero was included in Lionel Scaloni's final Argentina 28-man squad for the 2021 Copa América [27] and the Team of the Tournament at the end as Argentina won the competition. [28] Romero was also an integral part of the Argentinian team which won the 2022 FIFA World Cup, in which he started in six out of seven matches including the final. [29]

In June 2024, Romero was included in Scaloni's final 26-man Argentina squad for the 2024 Copa América. [30]

Style of play

Romero has been described as a "proactive" defender always playing on the "front foot." This allows him to step up in the backline and make crucial interceptions in midfield. He is well known for his decision-making in his risky style of play. Romero is also known for his exceptional ability in the air and is adept at scoring headers in the box. [31]

Career statistics

Club

As of match played 3 November 2024 [2]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueNational cup [a] League cup [b] ContinentalTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Belgrano 2016–17 Argentine Primera División 13000—2 [c] 0150
2017–18 3010—0040
Total16010—20190
Genoa 2018–19 Serie A 27200——272
Genoa (loan) 2019–20 30130——331
Total57330——603
Atalanta (loan) 2020–21 Serie A31240—7 [d] 1423
Tottenham Hotspur (loan) 2021–22 Premier League 22120204 [e] 0301
Tottenham Hotspur 2022–23 27000007 [d] 0340
2023–24 3351000—345
2024–25 10100101 [f] 0121
Total92730301201107
Career total196121103021123113

International

As of match played 15 October 2024 [32]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
Argentina 2021101
202290
202391
2024111
Total393
Scores and results list Argentina's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Romero goal. [32]
List of international goals scored by Cristian Romero
No.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
18 June 2021 Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez, Barranquilla, ColombiaFlag of Colombia.svg  Colombia 1–02–2 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
219 June 2023 Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, IndonesiaFlag of Indonesia.svg  Indonesia 2–02–0 Friendly
322 March 2024 Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, United StatesFlag of El Salvador.svg  El Salvador 1–03–0Friendly

Honours

Argentina

Individual

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References

  1. ↑ "2021/22 Premier League squads confirmed". Premier League. 10 September 2021. Archived from the original on 10 September 2021. Retrieved 12 September 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Cristian Romero at Soccerway. Retrieved 15 April 2017.
  3. ↑ "Cristian Romero". Atalanta B.C. Archived from the original on 19 January 2021.
  4. ↑ Dawes, Olly (17 December 2022). "Why is Cristian Romero called Cuti? Tottenham star's nickname explained". HITC. Retrieved 17 September 2023.
  5. ↑ "Cristian Romero: la scheda tecnica". Jmania.it (in Italian). 6 May 2019. Archived from the original on 10 August 2021. Retrieved 10 August 2021.
  6. ↑ "Cristian Romero firmó su primer contrato". Club Atlético Belgrano (in Spanish). 27 May 2016. Archived from the original on 20 April 2019. Retrieved 15 April 2017.
  7. ↑ "I nuovi stranieri della Serie A: Cristian Romero (Genoa)". Spazio Calcio (in Italian). Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  8. ↑ "Cristian Romero begins Juventus medical". Juventus. 9 July 2019. Archived from the original on 9 July 2019.
  9. ↑ "Romero, gli accordi con il Genoa". Juventus (in Italian). Archived from the original on 12 July 2019. Retrieved 12 July 2019.
  10. ↑ "Ufficiale: Juve, ceduto Romero in prestito biennale con diritto di riscatto all'Atalanta". Tutto Mercato Web (in Italian). 5 September 2020. Archived from the original on 9 June 2021. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  11. 1 2 "Romero signs from Atalanta". Tottenham Hotspur. 6 August 2021. Archived from the original on 24 October 2023. Retrieved 6 August 2021.
  12. ↑ "Esercizio del Diritto di Opzione per Il Calciatore Cristian Romero". Juventus (in Italian). Archived from the original on 24 October 2023. Retrieved 6 August 2021.
  13. ↑ "Cristian Romero joins Tottenham Hotspur". Atalanta BC. 6 August 2021. Archived from the original on 24 October 2023. Retrieved 6 August 2021.
  14. ↑ Burnton, Simon (15 August 2021). "Tottenham 1-0 Manchester City: Premier League, as it happened". The Guardian . Archived from the original on 24 October 2023. Retrieved 22 August 2021.
  15. ↑ Morgan, Richard (20 August 2021). "Pacos de Ferreira 1-0 Tottenham: Much-changed Spurs lose Europa Conference League play-off first-leg tie". Sky Sports . Archived from the original on 24 October 2023. Retrieved 22 August 2021.
  16. ↑ "Romero completes permanent move". Tottenham Hotspur. 30 August 2022. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 30 August 2022.
  17. ↑ Eccleshare, Charlie (16 August 2023). "Tottenham's new leadership group: Can they provide what is so badly needed?". The Athletic . Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  18. ↑ "Romero shortlisted for October's Premier League Player of the Month award". Tottenham Hotspur. Archived from the original on 10 November 2023. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  19. ↑ "Tottenham: Ange Postecoglou praises Cristian Romero". BBC Sport . 4 November 2023. Archived from the original on 10 November 2023. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  20. ↑ Spiers, Tim (8 November 2023). "Cristian Romero's 'red mist' has cost Spurs yet again, he simply has to learn". The Athletic. Archived from the original on 10 November 2023. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  21. ↑ "Romero's red card turned the tide". The Athletic . Archived from the original on 10 November 2023. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  22. ↑ "West Ham's Moyes celebrates "one of the biggest wins"". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 7 December 2023. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  23. ↑ "Lista para la semana que viene". Argentine Football Association (in Spanish). 15 April 2017. Archived from the original on 16 April 2017. Retrieved 15 April 2017.
  24. ↑ "La Selección Sub 23 jugará ante Bolivia desde las 19, en el estadio de Banfield". AFA (in Spanish). 3 September 2019. Archived from the original on 19 November 2020. Retrieved 4 September 2019.
  25. ↑ "Cristian Romero, la novedad que se ganó el puesto y ahora tendrá su debut mundialista en Qatar 2022". TyC Sports (in Spanish). 11 November 2022. Archived from the original on 6 May 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  26. ↑ "Πέρασε τον Μαραντόνα και... έγραψε ιστορία ο Ρομέρο!" [Romero surpassed Maradona... and made history!]. Sport FM Greece (in Greek). 9 June 2021. Archived from the original on 9 June 2021. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
  27. ↑ "Argentina National Team Squad 2021". Diario AS (in Spanish). 15 June 2021. Archived from the original on 29 June 2021. Retrieved 11 July 2021.
  28. ↑ "Uno por uno, el equipo ideal de la CONMEBOL Copa América 2021 elegido por el GET". Copa América (in Spanish). 13 July 2021. Archived from the original on 14 July 2021. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
  29. ↑ ""I watch it every day!", Tottenham defender Romero admits he's still not over Argentina's World Cup final win over France". Goal . 5 February 2023. Archived from the original on 10 August 2023. Retrieved 8 August 2023.
  30. ↑ "Lionel Scaloni dio a conocer la lista de la Selección argentina para la Copa América 2024". Todo Noticias. 15 June 2024. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  31. ↑ "Cristian Romero: Total Player Report". The Tactical Times. Archived from the original on 16 February 2024. Retrieved 16 February 2024.
  32. 1 2 "Cristian Romero". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 8 June 2021.
  33. ↑ Murray, Scott (18 December 2022). "Argentina beat France on penalties after thrilling World Cup final – live reaction". The Guardian . Archived from the original on 3 January 2023. Retrieved 18 December 2022.
  34. ↑ Graham, Bryan Armen (11 July 2021). "Argentina 1-0 Brazil: Copa América final – live!". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 12 July 2021. Retrieved 11 July 2021.
  35. ↑ "Argentina defeats Colombia to Become The Champion of CONMEBOL Copa América 2024™". Copa América. 15 July 2024. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
  36. ↑ "Italy 0–3 Argentina: Messi and Di Maria shine in impressive Finalissima win". BBC Sport. 1 June 2022. Archived from the original on 11 June 2022. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
  37. ↑ "The MVPs of the 2020/2021 Season: Cristian Romero Best Defender". Serie A. 31 May 2021. Archived from the original on 3 June 2021.
  38. ↑ "Uno por uno, el equipo ideal de la CONMEBOL Copa América 2021 elegido por el GET". Copa América (in Spanish). 13 July 2021. Archived from the original on 14 July 2021. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
  39. ↑ "The CONMEBOL Copa América 2024™ Best XI". Copa América. 31 July 2024. Retrieved 31 July 2024.
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