Spurs struck dream deal with £31.5m-rated "Rolls-Royce" who's like "a new signing" - opinion

Tottenham Hotspur may have hit the jackpot with Cristian Romero after his stunning return to the side following a serious injury…

The 23-year-old was one of sporting director Fabio Paratici’s first signings at the club after he was appointed in the summer but he has struggled for much game time, especially under new manager Antonio Conte due to a long-term injury.

Indeed, Romero played for only the third time under the Italian and his 14th time for the club at the weekend as Spurs advanced into the fifth round of the FA Cup with a resounding victory over top-flight rivals Brighton and Hove Albion.

His display was almost as if he had never left that backline – as per SofaScore, he won 75% of his duels, made five clearances, put in four tackles and two interceptions and even completed 97% of his passes.

It was an all-round ball-playing and defensive masterclass which was rewarded with high praise indeed.

Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas dubbed the £31.5m-rated colossus a “Rolls-Royce”, whilst former Lilywhites goalkeeper Paul Robinson described him as “a phenomenal defender” who is easily the best at the club to Football Insider.

Romero is the sort of centre-back that Spurs have been missing for years – someone aggressive in the tackle but so deft in the touch, to the point of being a genuine outlet to start their attacks, especially since the departures of Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen.

Conte has since emphasised the Argentine’s importance to their success this season, speaking ahead of Wednesday’s match against Southampton, he told reporters (via football.london):

“He is an important player for me. He is [like] a new signing for me because he played three games with me, and only one game in the league. He is an