‘Next season is going to be a big one’

Tottenham defender Cristian Romero says his club means business in the Premier League next season.

Spurs caught the eye in Ange Postecoglou’s first season in charge, finishing fifth and securing a place in the Europa League for 2024-25.

The North London outfit got off to a blistering start under the Australian, sitting top of the table after 10 games having not lost a single one.

But a series of significant injuries to the likes of James Maddison and Micky van de Ven saw them slip down the table and eventually settle for fifth, falling just shy of a Champions League place and Aston Villa in fourth.

Vice-captain Romero had a mixed campaign. He was sent off in a humiliating defeat to Chelsea but bounced back in 2024 and appeared calmer and more mature in his performances.

He has earned plenty of praise from fans and pundits in the last few months and he has now laid down the glove to next season’s opponents.

🇦🇷 Cristian Romero’s statistically calculated WhoScored characteristics:

✅ Strengths

🟢 Passing
🟢 Aerial duels
🟢 Tackling
🟢 Ball interception

❌ Weaknesses

🔴 Discipline https://t.co/x9IaZhIZyy pic.twitter.com/UoNZ8fgHBl

— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) June 4, 2024

Speaking to the Tottenham club website, he said: “Ange has a winning mentality and has totally changed the direction of the club.

“When he arrived, he brought everyone together and we all have the same mental attitude and approach, we all share the same ambition to be successful and win things at this club and that is the key.

“We play in an entertaining style and we’re all very happy with the way the manager sets us up and plays. Of course, we’ve had ups and downs this season, a lot has happened.

“Let’s not forget, we have a young squad with players playing their first season in the Premier League – it’s not easy playing in this league.

“You don’t just settle in over two or three months, it’s tough.

“But, it’s been a decent first season with this top manager, some inconsistencies, but overall good.

Cristian Romero scored more goals than any other defender in the Premier League in 2023/24 (5). ⚽️#WhoScoredAwards https://t.co/3OKwu4jCFt pic.twitter.com/YzOWZkZdo3

— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) May 22, 2024

“I know we couldn’t quite keep the pace up to be battling for the league title, but now we need to try to keep growing and improve in order to be travelling in the proper direction.

“We must finish well and come back stronger next season. The young players will benefit from this first season of experience, and we’ll perform better. Next season is going to be a big one for us.”

If Spurs are to challenge on all fronts next term, they will need to have a big transfer window.

Plenty of familiar faces are set to leave North London, with the likes of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Emerson Royal linked with moves away.

Incomings will be even more important as they lack depth in all areas of the pitch.

Destiny Udogie’s late-season injury meant Van de Ven had to shift to left-back and Yves Bissouma’s knee problem left Spurs light in midfield.

Knocking Manchester City off their throne may be in their plans, but Romero and Co have a lot of work to do if they are to make that a reality.