Cristian Romero Change

Hello fellow positive Spurs fans, today on the blog that gives you a different, more thoughtful, angle on matters surrounding Spurs, we'll take a look at the Cristian Romero change.

Tottenham have been working with Cristian Romero (Cuti) since his arrival on his rashness going into tackles, which has resulted in the Argentinian centre-back giving away free-kicks...

Plus of course, getting himself booked, a betting banker for many last season.

This season, however, things are different.

Is this the result of the vice-captaincy?

In my piece speculating on who should be captain I came up with James Maddison and as a dark horse, Cristian Romero, as I thouht the responsibility would calm him down a touch, plus the fact I see leadership skills in him.

This season has been a bit of a transformation.

He has played 4 games.

OK, in one he went off early with concussion so it's really just over 3 games.

But, look at Romero's 2023/24 season stats:

• Fouls Committed: NONE
• Percentage of fouls per game: 0% NONE
• Yellow Cards: NONE
• Goals 2 (1 header, 1 shot from outside the box)

There is a marked difference already for the Argentinian World Cup-winning centre-back.

Our vice-captain has played 79% of the available minutes and had a direct hand (goal or assist) in 18% of Spurs' Premier League goals.

Both he and Micky Van de Ven have yet to commit a foul, pretty amazing when you think of the high line we are playing, going one-on-one at the back and Romero's disciplinary history (I'll admit he got away with one against Bournemouth).

Cristian Romero Change as Vice-Captain

Being made the vice-captain of a young football team in the Premier League can and appears to have had, a positive impact on Romero.

So why has there been this change?

Leadership Development

Naming a player vice-captain is a sign of trust from a coach who sees leadership potential in a player. 

Obviously, all players react differently, but this responsibility can motivate a player to mature both on and off the field, particularly a young player of course. 

Romero is 25 and he'll need to set a positive example for his teammates, again, especially the young ones, of which there are many, which includes demonstrating better discipline in his own game.

Accountability

As a vice-captain, Romero will be held accountable not only for his individual performance but also for the behavior and discipline of the team. 

This accountability can encourage him to think twice before making rash tackles, as it can lead to disciplinary actions against the team.

Mentorship Role

At 25, Romero has plenty of experience and knowledge in a variety of countries and on the international stage, to mentor younger players in the Spurs squad. 

This gives him a vested interest in promoting a disciplined and respectful atmosphere within the squad and on the field, which can reflect positively on his own behaviour.

Improved Decision-Making

As a vice-captain, Romero may find himself in situations where he needs to make quick and critical decisions on the field. 

This role can help him develop better decision-making skills, not only in terms of aggressive tackles but also in understanding when to take calculated risks and when to play it safe.

Communication Skills

Effective communication is crucial for a team's success. As vice-captain, Romero will have to communicate with both his teammates and the coaching staff. 

This can help him develop better communication skills, which may prevent misunderstandings or heated situations on the field.

It also helps develop him through having to be responsible.

Pressure Management

With added responsibility comes increased pressure and how an individual handles pressure is critical to their success. 

Romero will need to learn how to manage this pressure, which can lead to better self-control and composure, reducing the likelihood of rash tackles and improving him as a player.

Recognition of Consequences

As a leader within the team, Romero will develop a greater understanding of the consequences of his actions. 

He will recognize that his behaviour not only affects himself but also the team's performance and reputation. 

This realization or understanding can serve as a powerful motivator to improve his own discipline.

Personal Growth

By taking on the role of vice-captain Romero may use this opportunity and experience to work on controlling his own temper or aggressiveness.

While we don't want to remove that from his game, he has often sought confrontation, instead of quiet efficiency.

You can still be a silent assassin, it doesn't have to be a 'macho' show.

He may seek guidance from coaches and mentors, perhaps like Lionel Messi, to make a concerted effort to slightly alter his playing style for the better.

THBN Thoughts

So, being named vice-captain can have a positive impact, personal commitment and a genuine desire to improve are crucial for any player looking to overcome disciplinary issues. 

Romero will need to actively work on his weaknesses and seek support from his coaching staff and teammates to make a lasting change in his playing style and disciplinary record.

Then he'll become a leader by example to other younger impetuous players, perhaps like Oliver Skipp who has spent too much time on the floor in previous seasons.

This of course works at any level and not just in the sporting field, but the business field too.

If you don't show signs of responsibility or encouraging responsibility in others (subtly), when the situation arises in team meetings, then why should a company give you more responsibility?

You have to show them there is something there to develop, perhaps that's something to discuss in your annual appraisal and development plan

COYS