The Thomas Frank era at Tottenham has got off to a good start, and the new manager looks to have quickly got to grips with his squad.
Spurs beat Villarreal in the Champions League to open their campaign in style, while they have won three of their first four matches in the Premier League.
Frank has been praised for fixing Tottenham’s leaky defence, and he looks a savvy replacement for Ange Postecoglou after his sacking in the wake of the Europa League success last campaign.
Despite many of his Spurs players standing up to be counted, the new man at the helm has been especially impressed with one of them, believing they are among the very best.
Thomas Frank says Cristian Romero is among the world’s best
Cristian Romero was named Tottenham’s new captain after Son Heung-min departed for MLS, and the centre-back hasn’t looked back, delivering a string of solid performances.
Thomas Frank has spoken warmly of the Argentine and is pleased he is getting the credit he deserves.
“I rate him super high,” the Spurs boss said in his pre-match press conference. “I agree with you that he is one of the best centre-backs right now in the world. It clearly helps when you have won the World Cup, Copa America and Europa League final and more things.
“But the best are performing consistently week in, week out. Year in, year out. I don’t know Cuti inside out because I have only been here for three months but I have followed him over the years.
“I definitely see a more mature player and person. Not that he hasn’t been that before. It’s not like it has happened in the last three months. I’m not saying that because he was very good last year and won the World Cup a few years ago.”
Romero certainly appears to be relishing his enhanced responsibilities after being given the captain’s armband, and he memorably skippered the Spurs side that won the Europa League in May.
Cristian Romero wants Tottenham to improve
But the 27-year-old wants more from Spurs and urged them to stay grounded after beating Villarreal.
He posted on X: “Great night for all of us, back competing where we love [in the] Champions League. Strong start, but this is a long [road] and we have to keep working and improving.
“Big thanks to all the fans for the incredible support today. Always together.”
If Tottenham are to challenge for trophies in Frank’s first campaign in charge, then Romero will undoubtedly have a huge part to play.