Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Sandro has ignited a fresh debate by declaring the club's current centre-back pairing as the finest in the Premier League, directly challenging the credentials of Arsenal's highly-rated defensive unit.
The Verdict from a Spurs Legend
In a recent interview, Sandro was asked if Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven form the league's best defensive partnership. The Brazilian did not hesitate, stating, "I think so, I believe that it is the best defensive partnership in the Premier League." He praised Van de Ven's exceptional quality and blistering speed, acknowledging a single mistake against Chelsea but emphasising that his overall contributions are "amazing".
Romero's Evolution as a Leader
Sandro reserved special acclaim for Romero's development and influence. He highlighted the Argentine's "unbelievable" leadership, noting how he manages the game and communicates with both referees and teammates. Crucially, Sandro pointed to a significant improvement in Romero's discipline. "I think he's now reading the game a little bit more... where he used to get stupid yellow cards and red cards," he observed. "But now, I think he has learned a little bit. He's never going to change, he goes for the ball, but I think he's now a bit calmer."
Contrasting Opinions and the Forthcoming Derby
This assessment stands in stark contrast to the views of other football pundits. Arsenal legend Martin Keown has previously labelled Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba as the best partnership in Europe, a sentiment echoed by former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand. The timing of these comments adds extra spice to the upcoming North London derby. Arsenal and Tottenham are scheduled to meet on Sunday, November 23, in their first fixture after the international break, offering a direct showdown to settle the argument on the pitch.
The statistical backdrop makes the debate even more compelling. The defensive records of both clubs are remarkably strong this season, with each conceding only a handful of goals. Tottenham's solidity, built on the Romero-Van de Ven axis, has been a cornerstone of their campaign under manager Thomas Frank.
