A bold move is being proposed for Tottenham Hotspur: to follow Arsenal's lead and part ways with their captain, Cristian Romero. This suggestion comes amidst growing concerns over Romero's disciplinary issues, which have once again come to the forefront.
Romero, a defender with three years left on his contract, has received his sixth red card since joining Spurs, this time against Manchester United. It's the second time he's been sent off in the Premier League this season, after a similar incident against Liverpool in December. As a result, he faces a four-match ban, missing crucial fixtures.
Martin Keown, a former Arsenal player, believes Tottenham should emulate Arsenal's handling of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's departure. Aubameyang, once Arsenal's captain, was stripped of the armband and later allowed to leave for Barcelona on a free transfer due to disciplinary issues.
"It's time for a change in culture at Tottenham," Keown argues. "Romero's behavior is not just an on-field issue; it's a cultural problem that needs addressing. If we want to see real change, sometimes tough decisions must be made."
Keown continues, "Romero is undoubtedly a talented player, but his spark can be a double-edged sword. His off-field conduct is not setting a good example for the younger players. It's a crossroads moment for him and the club."
Appointed captain by Thomas Frank in the summer, Romero's leadership has been called into question. His recent red card, a reckless challenge on Casemiro, came at a critical moment in the match, with the score still goalless. United took the lead shortly after and went on to win 2-0.
With Tottenham now just six points above the relegation zone, the pressure is on. Will they follow Keown's advice and make a bold statement by axing their captain? Or will they stick with Romero, hoping for a change in his behavior?
What do you think? Should Tottenham follow this controversial path? Let's discuss in the comments!