Tottenham Hotspur’s recent dip in form has reignited one major talking point — just how much they rely on Cristian Romero. The Argentine captain missed both the defeat to Aston Villa and the 1–1 Champions League draw with Monaco through injury, and the statistics make it clear: Spurs are simply not the same team without him.
Romero’s absence exposes Tottenham’s defensive fragility
Since being named captain by Thomas Frank at the start of the season, Romero has not only led the back line with authority but has also been the cornerstone of Spurs’ tactical system. His injury — an adductor issue picked up earlier this month — has left Tottenham looking disjointed both defensively and in build-up play.
Romero’s ability to carry the ball out from the back and play through the lines is something the team has sorely missed. With midfielders like Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur often opting for safer passes, Spurs have lacked the vertical progression that the Argentine naturally provides.
“He’s not just our best defender — he’s our playmaker from the back,” one Tottenham analyst told *FootballPlace* earlier this week. “When he’s out, everything feels one step slower.”
Romero’s reading of the game also allows Spurs to commit bodies forward in Frank’s aggressive man-to-man pressing system. His ability to hold the halfway line against elite forwards — notably nullifying Erling Haaland in August — has been pivotal. That match remains the only one this season in which Haaland has failed to score for club or country.
The numbers prove Romero’s value
The statistical gap between Tottenham’s performances with and without Romero is stark:
| Tottenham with vs. without Cristian Romero | With Romero | Without Romero |
|---|---|---|
| Win Percentage (since 2023/24) | 50% | 23% |
| Premier League Games Played | 28 | 26 |
| Average Shots Faced per Game | 12.3 | 16.3 |
| Clean Sheets | 9 | 3 |
source: Opta & FootballPlace analysis – 23 October 2025
Without their captain, Spurs’ defensive organisation has looked vulnerable. Their pressing line has dropped deeper, opponents are taking more shots, and their ability to play out under pressure has declined significantly.
Frank’s side struggling without leadership
The lack of leadership in Romero’s absence has been evident. Against Bodo/Glimt and Monaco in the Champions League, Spurs were disjointed, allowing wave after wave of attacks. Even against Aston Villa, where they were more compact, they still conceded twice and rarely looked in control.
Thomas Frank has been careful not to rush Romero back, but the timing could hardly be worse. Tottenham now face Everton (A), Newcastle (A) in the Carabao Cup, and back-to-back home games against Chelsea and Manchester United before the next international break.
“Romero is our organiser. When he plays, everyone feels safer. When he’s not there, we’re missing a voice.”
Our View
In our view, Cristian Romero’s importance to Tottenham cannot be overstated. He’s not just their defensive leader — he’s their emotional and tactical anchor. His absence strips the team of its identity; without him, Spurs defend reactively instead of proactively.
Frank’s pressing philosophy relies on bravery from the back, and Romero embodies that courage. Until he returns, Tottenham’s season will feel stuck in neutral — capable of competing but lacking the conviction of a team chasing trophies.
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst Liam Rowe writes:
I think Romero is the heartbeat of this Tottenham team. His influence mirrors what Virgil van Dijk brought to Liverpool in his peak — stability, structure, and swagger. The data backs it up: Spurs concede more, create less, and win far fewer matches without him.
We believe Tottenham’s season hinges on Romero’s fitness. If he returns soon, Spurs can stay in the Champions League race; if not, Frank’s system will continue to look shaky under pressure.
Key Insights
- Spurs’ win rate drops from 50% to 23% without Romero.
- Opponents average 16.3 shots per game when he’s absent.
- Romero’s ball progression is vital to Spurs’ attacking build-up.
- His leadership allows the defence to play higher and press more effectively.
- Tottenham’s next four fixtures could define their season.
What’s Next
Romero’s recovery timeline remains uncertain, but Tottenham hope to have him back before facing Chelsea next month. In the meantime, Micky van de Ven and Kevin Danso will be tasked with holding the back line together.
Tottenham fans will be desperate to see their captain return — because if the numbers are anything to go by, their season depends on it.
👉 How big a difference does Cristian Romero make to Tottenham’s success this season?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 24 Oct 2025 09:14
TOP 3 defender in the league without a doubt, very important but injury prone unfortunately. Last season he has missed a lot of games due to injury.
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *