Gary Lineker has claimed that Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are the best central defensive pairing in the Premier League at the moment.
Tottenham had the leakiest defence of any of the top 14 sides in the Premier League last season, conceding a whopping 63 goals over the course of the campaign.
However, so far this season, the Lilywhites have been one of the most solid defensive units across the division, having let in just nine goals in their first 10 league games.
This is despite the fact that Spurs now commit a lot more bodies forward and play a very high defensive line under Ange Postecoglou.
Van de Ven has received plenty of praise following the impressive start to his Premier League career, with some even naming the Dutchman as the best signing of the summer transfer window (The Times).
(Photo by Will Palmer/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Are Van de Ven and Romero the best duo in the PL?
Lineker admitted that he has been mightily impressed by the partnership that Romero and Van de Ven have forged this season.
The former Spurs striker said on Rest is Football podcast: “And at the back, Van de Ven and Romero. Is there a better defensive partnership in the Premier League at the moment? You perhaps look at Manchester City but they tend to move around their partnerships so much.”
Micah Richards admitted that he still has doubts about Romero, owing to the Argentine’s tendency to get carried away, but he too heaped praise on Van de Ven.
The former Man City star responded: “The only I would say about Spurs is that Romero, he tends to get a little bit excited from time to time. Exactly (he could get himself a red card.)
“He lets the emotion get the better of him sometimes. But as for a paring right now, this season, they have been exceptional. Van de Ven to come in and just be so cool and calm and collected, positioning.”
Spurs Web Opinion
There is no doubt that Romero and Van de Ven have both been exceptional but we might be in serious trouble if either of them picks up an injury, which is why top-quality reinforcements in central defence should be Tottenham’s number one priority in January.
Have something to tell us about this article?
