Cristian Romero is perfect for physicality of the Premier League – Antonio Conte

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte says defender Cristian Romero is “perfect” for the physicality of the Premier League.

The Argentina defender made his return to the side in the FA Cup win over Brighton on Saturday after three months out with a hamstring injury and immediately showed Spurs what they have been missing.

The 23-year-old, who was the Serie A defender of the year last season, is aggressive in the tackle, quick to read the play, harasses strikers and can also play the ball out.

He is on loan from Atalanta with Spurs having an obligation to buy and Conte is ready to build his defence around him.

The Italian said: “He is perfect for this league. But if you can play in this league you can play in all the leagues in the world.

“The problem is when you stay in another league, you have to ask if you can play in the Premier League. But when you play here, you can play in any league in the world.

“Because the intensity, the quality, the physicality that you have here is not present in other leagues. For sure Romero is able to play in this league. This league is a perfect suit for him.

“He’s an important player for me. He’s a new signing for me because he played the first game with me, only one game in the league.

“He’s strong physically, he has the timing to anticipate, good personality to play with the ball. Despite being a young player he has good experience, he’s strong. And I like him. For sure, he has a lot of space for improvement.”

With Romero at the back and Harry Kane spearheading the attack, Spurs have a decent spine that could propel them towards their goals in the second half of the season.

Kane’s season has come to life under Conte and the Italian has vowed to make him even better.

The England captain was