Cristian Romero has opened up on his bond with Micky van de Ven, describing their understanding as one of Tottenham’s key strengths heading into the new Premier League campaign.
The Argentine defender and his Dutch partner both scored in Spurs’ dramatic UEFA Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, underlining their impact at both ends of the pitch. But consistency has been hard to come by. Injuries limited the pair to just 18 matches together last season, leaving Thomas Frank’s side short of stability in defence.
With Spurs seeking a top-four push, Romero has urged luck to be on their side this time around, stressing the importance of having both first-choice centre-backs available for the majority of the campaign.
Romero: “We complement each other very well”
“We have a great relationship since the day he arrived. We made a good central duo and nothing is perfect; there are always things to improve. But we know each other’s way of playing, so we complement each other very well. Last season we missed almost 50 percent of the season… this time we hope not to have that bad luck.” — Cristian Romero, Telemundo Deportes
Romero’s comments underline just how much faith he has in Van de Ven, who cost Spurs £43m from Wolfsburg in 2023.
Spurs’ Defensive Record With Romero & Van de Ven
| Season (2024/25) | Games | Won/Drawn/Lost | Goals Conceded |
|---|---|---|---|
| With Romero & Van de Ven | 18 | 11/3/4 | 20 |
| Total Spurs Record | 48 | 26/15/7 | 67 |
source: transfermarkt match data – 21 August 2025
Romero and Van de Ven’s 18 games together saw Spurs concede just 20 goals, a marked improvement compared to matches without both present. Their limited availability, however, meant Spurs leaked 67 goals across all competitions.
Analyst Verdict
Romero is right to stress consistency. Spurs’ defensive fragility last season stemmed largely from constant rotation, with Radu Dragusin and Archi Gray struggling to fill the void when both first-choice centre-backs were sidelined.
From reviewing their Super Cup performances, the duo’s timing in stepping up and ability to cover each other’s weaknesses make them a genuinely elite pairing — but without fitness, that potential remains unrealised. Frank’s task is not just tactical but medical: keep both fit, and Spurs’ season looks far stronger.
Key Insights
- Cristian Romero praises his “great relationship” with Van de Ven.
- Spurs duo only managed 18 games together last season.
- Tottenham conceded 67 goals in 48 matches in 2024/25.
- Romero & Van de Ven both scored in the UEFA Super Cup final vs PSG.
- Thomas Frank knows Spurs must keep them fit for a top-four push.
What’s Next
Spurs travel to face Aston Villa this weekend, with both Romero and Van de Ven expected to start. Frank will be desperate to see his first-choice duo stay injury-free, especially with Kevin Danso the only senior backup while Dragusin recovers.
Beyond Villa, Spurs face a daunting September run including Arsenal and Manchester City — fixtures that demand their defensive leaders stay available. If Romero and Van de Ven can finally enjoy a long run together, Tottenham’s ambitions for Champions League football will feel far more realistic.
Will Romero and Van de Ven stay fit enough to become the Premier League’s best defensive duo this season — or will injuries derail Spurs again?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 21 Aug 2025 21:11
Still feel sorry for Ange, injury issues etc made him play with Archie Gray as a CB.
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