Tottenham news: Pundit issues ‘big’ verdict after Cristian Romero axed
Paul Robinson has tipped Tottenham defender Cristian Romero to return to the Argentina starting XI against Poland on Wednesday (30 November).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Spurs and England number one said the 24-year-old “had a fairly big impact on the game” against Mexico.
Romero was dropped by Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni for the second group game on Saturday (26 November).
The centre-half entered the pitch midway through the second half with Argentina switching to three at the back.
The South American giants were eventual 2-0 winners over Mexico.
When asked by Football Insider if Romero did enough to warrant a starting birth against Poland, Robinson said: “Romero had a fairly big impact on the game.
“Argentina looked flat until they changed system. They changed completely and went with a three at the back in the second half and they looked a lot better.
“It was a scrappy game in all honesty. Mexico came to disrupt the game and make it difficult for Argentina. It was a game lacking quality until [Lionel] Messi got his goal in the second half.
“Romero steadied the ship a little bit when he came on. He brings leadership qualities. He allowed other players the freedom to go forward.
“I think they will stick with that for the next game. A lot was made of Argentina’s loss to Saudi Arabia but I think they will grow into the tournament.”
In other news, Tottenham have been told to agree a record-breaking Harry Kane deal after source’s ‘extraordinary’ news.