Welcome to Tottenham Hotspur, Roberto de Zerbi. It’s a fun time. right…? Let’s think again.
Although there have been signs of struggle under the Italian manager, he couldn’t think of a worse start to his career since taking over as Spurs manager, although he took the lead against Brighton last Sunday and came close to winning.
Within days of arriving, Mohamed Kudus was dealt a blow that would see him miss the remainder of the season. In his first game as captain, he was forced to replace captain Cristian Romero.
The Argentine player has also been ruled out of this season, leaving the club without another key player. Their injury luck this season was truly shocking.
What does the future hold for Tottenham’s Cristian Romero?
Say what you like about Romero’s poor discipline, his social media comments, and his on-field demeanor. This is a fighter, a warrior, a South American combatant, exactly the type of character you want on your side when the going gets tough.
For the Spurs, this is more than just an injury. Losing a captain in a situation like this is a bitter pill to swallow.
Against Sunderland, striker Brian Brobby pushed the Argentine straight into Antonin Kinski, but the defender stayed on the grass.
It was later confirmed that Romero had suffered a severe partial tear of his medial cruciate ligament. He left the field in tears, but understandably his participation in the World Cup was in jeopardy.
“First of all, Romero loves Tottenham. People need to know that he is suffering with this injury and not being able to play for us again this season. He is a great captain for us,” De Zerbi said in a press conference last weekend.
Current Spurs injury list | ||
|---|---|---|
player | injury | return date |
Wilson Odbert | knees | November ’26 |
muhammad jerusalem | thigh | June ’26 |
Dejan Kulusevski | knees | unknown |
Christian Romero | knees | June ’26 |
pastor william | Groin/hip/pelvis | May 26th |
ben davis | ankle | May 26th |
Whether or not the central defender loves Spurs, there is a good chance he has played his last game for the club, especially if Spurs suffer relegation to the Championship.
If they stay up, the chances of keeping the captain obviously increase. However, he is a player who has attracted a lot of attention so far. He has not only caught the eye of Real Madrid in the past, but recent rumors suggest Manchester United are considering making a move of their own to keep him in English football.
For Spurs supporters, that would definitely be the worst thing to happen.
If Romero leaves, finding a new captain will be key.
How will the Spurs replace Cristian Romero’s leadership?
To be honest, the Lilywhites are blessed with few leadership options. Once James Madison and Dejan Kulusevski return, they will be looked to to spark activity on the field.
Conor Gallagher could have been a candidate had his time at the club started well. Archie Gray could also be captain in the future.
The most obvious candidate to replace him would be fellow centre-back Micky van de Ven, but what would happen if Spurs actually entered the transfer market to replace Romero?
Well, while it may not be an equal successor, the arrival of Andrew Robertson from Liverpool would certainly help fill the leadership vacuum left if the Argentine left north London.
20 best left-backs in Premier League history
Where does Andy Robertson rank?
Spurs considered signing the Scottish full-back over the winter but ultimately stayed on to confirm a deal at Anfield. He has confirmed he will leave on a free transfer in the summer, which would put Tottenham in pole position to sign him if he stays.
Fabrizio Romano revealed at the weekend: “[Robertson]will join Tottenham if he remains in the Premier League. My information is that everything has already been agreed between Robertson and Tottenham in this regard.”
It’s an exciting time as far as transfers go, but what can the 32-year-old Scottish player offer Spurs?
Well, the Premier League and Champions League winner brings an elite mentality, a know-how that few in De Zerbi’s squad have.
Granted, his powers may have waned towards the end of his career, but he is one of the most reliable players in English football’s top flight, and has remained so for a very long time. Jose Mourinho of Manager Jose Mourinho hailed him as an “incredible” player.
Only one defender in Premier League history has provided more assists (60) than Robertson. He was thrown into the post by former teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold (64).
Most assists by a defender – Premier League history | |
|---|---|
player | Number of assists |
1) Trent Alexander-Arnold | 64 |
2) Andrew Robertson | 60 |
3) Leighton Baines | 53 |
4) Antonio Valencia | 46 |
5) Graham Le Saux | 44 |
6) Kieran Trippier | 39 |
Boasting an incredible left foot, it is undoubtedly his leadership qualities that would make him so outstanding if a deal were to go through.
The veteran left-back has captained Scotland since 2018. He has donned the armband for his country over 49 times, proving what an influential figure he is.
Yes, Spurs will need a quality centre-back to replace Romero, but they will also need someone who can serve as captain. Robertson may be the right person in that regard.
£35m star like ‘Poch-era Dele Alli’ could be let go by Spurs
Tottenham remain in the relegation zone after dropping points in the final stages against Brighton.
