Tottenham Hotspur fans may be witnessing a turning point in Cristian Romero’s Spurs career.
Once known for his fiery temperament and occasional recklessness, the Argentine defender has now been handed the captain’s armband by Thomas Frank—a move that could define both his future at the club and the team’s trajectory.
Could this appointment finally anchor him in North London and stop thoughts of a move to La Liga? Signs are encouraging.
A Promising Start in Udine
Romero’s leadership was on display in Udine during the UEFA Super Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite Tottenham falling agonizingly short on penalties, Romero left his mark.
He converted a penalty, contributed significantly to another, and orchestrated the backline with his usual intensity.
In Frank’s first competitive fixture as head coach, Romero almost led Spurs to silverware—a glimpse of what the captaincy could bring.
Talent That’s Never Been in Doubt
Romero’s ability on the field has rarely been questioned.
Since joining from Atalanta on loan in 2021, he has been a powerhouse in central defence.
Strong, brave, and aggressive, he thrives on the physical battles of modern Premier League football.
Quick on his feet and intelligent with his positioning, he has shown he can step out of the defensive line into midfield—a trait that suited Ange Postecoglou’s attacking philosophy.
Early Career Challenges
Yet, leadership wasn’t always part of Romero’s narrative.
Under Antonio Conte, he was notoriously reckless, racking up 24 yellow cards and three reds in his first two seasons.
He even clashed with the club over international duty during Covid, further straining his relationship with Spurs.
Growth Under Postecoglou
Romero’s discipline improved significantly under Postecoglou, who included him in the leadership group and made him vice-captain to Heung-min Son.
Over the last two seasons, he has collected 12 yellows and just one red—showing remarkable control without losing his competitive edge.
This maturity is critical, as a captain must stay on the pitch while maintaining the fire that makes him a standout performer.
Managing Club and Country Tensions
Romero’s career at Spurs has often been shadowed by friction with international commitments.
After a home loss to Arsenal following an international break, he retweeted criticism about Spurs’ handling of player travel arrangements, fueling speculation about his desire to leave.
Atletico Madrid reportedly showed interest, but their offers never met Tottenham’s valuation.
The captaincy may now anchor him at Spurs, providing clarity and responsibility that could outweigh overseas temptations.
Embracing the Captaincy
Taking over from Heung-min Son, Romero inherits big shoes both on and off the field.
Son was a media-friendly ambassador, while Romero has traditionally been quieter.
He leads more through action than words, yet he has begun embracing visible leadership roles.
In Udine, he rallied his teammates, organized huddles, and offered support during the tense penalty shootout.
A New Chapter Under Thomas Frank
Frank’s inclusive coaching style may be the perfect environment for Romero’s next stage of development.
Just as Postecoglou helped him manage his temperament and channel his competitiveness, Frank now provides the framework for Romero to grow as a captain who inspires both through performance and presence.
Contract Talks on the Horizon
At 27, Romero has two years remaining on his Spurs contract.
Tottenham will need to act soon to secure his future, especially with the risk of losing another captain after Hugo Lloris and Heung-min Son departed.
To keep him, Spurs must demonstrate ambition on the pitch and competitive terms off it—making him feel that North London remains the place to thrive both as a player and a leader.