Tottenham defenders Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie hailed ‘leader’ Cristian Romero after they combined to extend Ange Postecoglou’s unbeaten run at the club with a 1-0 win at Luton.
Spurs created a plethora of chances early on at Kenilworth Road, but Yves Bissouma received two yellow cards in quick succession in the first half to change the course of Saturday’s game.
As Van de Ven gave Tottenham the lead in the 52nd minute, Luton took advantage of their numerical advantage to pile on the pressure, but vice-captain Romero particularly shone with 12 clearances and five aerial duels won in a colossal display at the during the 90th minutes. minutes.
“Incredible player, incredible player,” center back Van de Ven said of Romero to SpursPlay.
“Defensively so strong, with the ball so strong, keep talking, for me an incredible player.
Spurs players have praised centre-back Cristian Romero’s performance in Saturday’s win over Luton.
Romero (middle right) helped 10-man Tottenham to victory over Luton on Saturday
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“We had to concentrate for a full 90 minutes. We had to keep pushing, ordering and maintaining a strong line. We help each other and each other.
“Everyone keeps talking all the time and most of the time no one loses concentration, but everyone stays alert and you saw we defended very well to keep the clean sheet.”
Left-back Udogie echoed those sentiments, saying: “I think Cuti (Romero) is a real leader.
“You can’t feel safer (than) with Cuti and he shows it every day in training, in the game and he helps us a lot.”
“As you saw it was really hard and with one man less it was harder but that’s the spirit of our team. We continue to work hard for each other and the result comes .
On his first call-up to Italy, Udogie added: “It’s a big dream for me, you know. When I was young, I always dreamed of this moment.
“Now it has happened and I just have to stay focused, enjoy the time, work hard for the team and give my best.”
Spurs have won six of their eight Premier League matches under Postecoglou, making it the club’s best start to a season in the top flight since the double-winning campaign of 1960-61.
Dutch central defenders Micky van de Ven (left) and Destiny Udogie (right) were singing Romero’s praises after playing full-time.
Romero helped add a steel to Tottenham’s defensive unit that was previously lacking
The goals flowed, but the Australian added steel to a previously shaky defensive unit and the shutout was Tottenham’s third under new first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
Postecoglou said: “They have been great all year, both the centre-backs, the whole back four and Vic.
“I think a lot of that comes from Romero because when you look at it, it’s Destiny’s first year in the Premier League, Micky’s first year, Vic’s first year and (Pedro) Porro doesn’t only to start his career in the Premier League, but they had a World Cup winner in their side.
“I think Cuti makes them feel like they belong. They feel really comfortable having him by their side and you can see them flourishing.
“He’s someone you absolutely want on your team. Yes, he has that physical side, but he is also a good player.
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou (pictured) described Romero as an “exceptional defender”.
“His passing range, his ability to position himself well, to stay calm and then his ridiculous courage to always put his body in there. He’s just an exceptional defender.
Lionel Messi recently called his Argentina teammate Romero the best defender in the world. “He’s a good judge,” smiles Postecoglou.
Meanwhile, newly promoted Luton were left to rue their missed opportunities after suffering a sixth defeat, but could soon call upon the services of free agent Andros Townsend after he featured for their under-21s on Friday.
“We’ll see,” Hatters boss Rob Edwards said. “It must be good for him. We’ll take a look and see how it goes. He played the full match on Friday evening.