2 hours ago
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Thomas Frank could tell that Cristian Romero was hoping to be named Tottenham captain and that he will thrive after signing a new contract at the club.
The 27-year-old penned a new Spurs deal until 2029 on Monday after a summer in which Romero was linked with a move to Atletico Madrid before new head coach Frank chose the Argentine to become the club captain in the wake of Son Heung-min's transfer to LAFC after 10 years in north London.
"Of course, extremely happy. He's a very important player for us, just been named captain so that speaks for itself," said Frank. "For me, he's one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League and, to have him locked down long-term, every fan, me, staff, should be extremely happy. It also shows he's committed to the journey we're on and the future and the bits we're building together. Very happy."
The Dane could tell straight away that Romero wanted the extra responsibility of leading the team into a new era at the north London club.
"He will thrive under this captaincy. No doubt it was something he was hoping to be and wanted to be. When you have that approach, normally people take another step up and really want to go to the next level in terms of leadership," he said.
"I have no doubt he will drive the team and players and help in any way he can. There's more responsibility and we also need to remember he's a young leader so he will learn and be even better."
He added: "I always thought he was one of the better centre-backs," he added. "Then you realise that when you get to work with him closely for the past six weeks, you get to know the person a little bit and also clearly his strength and development areas.
"What he can bring on the ball: he's extremely composed, finds the right passes, his aggression in duels and commitment and willingness to win for the team, his defending in the box is extremely good and then he's also a set-piece threat."
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