"Today, I watch a lot of Van Dijk" - Premier League defender highlights Liverpool superstar as potential reference point
Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero has revealed he watches Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk as a reference point for his defending.
Speaking to DSportsRadio, the Argentinian was asked which defenders he has studied, to which he replied (via Roy Nemer):
"When I was young, I watched a lot of Puyol's Barcelona and Piqué. Today, I watch a lot of Van Dijk."
Romero joined Tottenham last summer from Atalanta on a season-long loan deal with an option to buy for £42.5 million, as per Football London.
He has impressed Spurs since arriving in north London, making 32 appearances and becoming crucial to Antonio Conte's defense.
The Argentine is having a similar impact to that of Van Dijk, who quickly became one of the Premier League's leading defenders when he moved to Liverpool in 2018.
Joining from Southampton for £76.19 million, the Dutch centre-back has been one of Europe's most dominant defenders, making 184 appearances for the Reds.
He has been instrumental in Jurgen Klopp's side winning the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup since his arrival.
Tottenham defender Cristian Romero has the same % of ground duels won, and a higher proportion of aerial duels won in the Premier League so far this season as Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk...
I know who my CB is! 👀 https://t.co/w7eFiXOD2G
Romero's defensive abilities mirror that of Van Dijk, with the pair dominant in the air and extremely difficult to get past.
Spurs' defensive misfortunes have changed ever since the Argentinian arrived from Atalanta and they will surely be looking to make his stay permanent next summer.
Romero picks Liverpool star as toughest opponent last season
In an interview with ESPN, Romero chose Liverpool winger Luis Diaz as one of the two opponents he found it most difficult coming up against last season.
Alongside Diaz, the Spurs defender also chose Chelsea's new signing Raheem Sterling as an opponent he didn't enjoy facing.
He said:
“Luis Diaz and Sterling are the two players who made me suffer the most."
Cristian Cuti Romero has been named as Tottenham Hotspur's Man of the Match vs. Chelsea. https://t.co/Dv2iSElRkO
Romero came up against Sterling once again this past weekend in an enthralling 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.
The Argentine could have been sent off when he tugged Blues new boy Marc Cucurella to the ground by his hair in the dying embers of the game.
However, referee Antony Taylor and VAR let it slip and Harry Kane scored a dramatic equalizer from the ensuing corner.
Romero's ever-present passion was on display as he screamed in joy after an adrenaline pump draw at Stamford Bridge.