CRISTIAN ROMERO produced a perfect tackle in his latest outing – and was then hailed as “the best defender in the world” by Lionel Messi.
The Tottenham star, 25, has been in brilliant form since the arrival of Ange Postecoglou in North London this summer.
His displays have helped Spurs record two clean sheets and three wins from their opening four unbeaten matches so far in the Premier League.
Now the defender, who helped Argentina to World Cup glory in December, has continued that red-hot form on to the international stage this week.
Romero played the full ninety minutes for his country last night as Messi sealed a 1-0 victory over Ecuador in their latest World Cup qualifier.
And he demonstrated his abilities excellently on the hour mark with the match still goalless.
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Ecuador’s Enner Valencia raced clear with the ball and into the area, but Romero brilliantly made an inch-perfect tackle to deny him.
His display earned plenty of praise from pundits and team-mates alike afterwards, and the legendary Messi was among those dishing it out as he made the bold claim.
The Inter Miami forward declared: “For me, he is the best defender in the world right now. Amazing performance tonight, man of the match.”
And his Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni was just as impressed – although he was unable to find the right words to hail his star.
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He said: “I have no words for the match Cuti Romero had.
“During the home games, people motivate him and he thinks he’s a He-Man, he can run 70 metres.
“He is an impressive centre-back, he played an incredible game.”
Romero signed for Tottenham on a permanent basis last summer following a season-long loan from Atalanta and has since endured a mixed spell.
Now he and Spurs supporters will be hoping he comes through Argentina’s trip to Bolivia on Tuesday unscathed and is raring to go when his club return to domestic action against Sheffield United on September 16.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
