Jamie Carragher name the ONE Tottenham player he believes is actually ‘overrated’
In a bold and somewhat controversial statement, former Liverpool defender and prominent pundit Jamie Carragher has named Tottenham Hotspur’s star as the one player he believes is “overrated.” Known for his no-nonsense analysis and unfiltered opinions, Carragher’s take has sparked a flurry of discussion among Spurs fans, pundits, and football enthusiasts alike.
Carragher’s Claim: What Was Said
Speaking on a recent panel discussion for Sky Sports, Carragher was asked to pick one Premier League player he considers overrated. Without hesitation, he named Cristian Romero, stating:
> “Romero is a good defender, don’t get me wrong. But when I hear people calling him world-class or comparing him to some of the top centre-backs in Europe, I think we’re getting ahead of ourselves. He’s aggressive and reads the game well, but there are serious flaws in his decision-making and temperament.”
Carragher went on to criticize Romero’s discipline and positional awareness, pointing to several high-profile moments where the Argentine defender’s impetuousness cost Spurs dearly — whether through reckless challenges, red cards, or being caught out of position.
Romero’s Profile: The Backbone of Spurs’ Defense
Cristian Romero, a Copa America and World Cup winner with Argentina, joined Tottenham from Atalanta in 2021 and quickly became a central figure in the club’s defense. Known for his aggressive tackling style, aerial ability, and ball-playing confidence, Romero has often been lauded by fans and managers alike for bringing steel and leadership to Spurs’ backline.
Under Ange Postecoglou, Romero has taken on even more responsibility, serving as vice-captain and a vocal leader on the pitch. His partnership with Micky van de Ven has formed the foundation of Tottenham’s defensive resurgence this season, earning plaudits for their composure and chemistry.
Criticism vs. Reality: Is There Merit to Carragher’s View?
While Carragher’s take may come across as harsh, it isn’t entirely without merit. Romero has, on occasion, drawn criticism for his rash challenges and discipline issues — including red cards in key matches and moments where his over-aggression has left the team exposed.
Statistically, Romero’s defensive contributions stack up well against his peers, with high numbers in interceptions, tackles, and aerial duels won. However, his disciplinary record remains a talking point. Since arriving in the Premier League, Romero has accumulated multiple bookings and a few send-offs — a pattern that critics like Carragher argue undermines his otherwise solid performances.
But others counter that Romero’s style is what makes him effective — a modern defender who plays on the edge, much like iconic figures of the past such as Sergio Ramos or Giorgio Chiellini. These are players whose reputations were also marred by discipline but revered for their passion and fearlessness.
Fan Reaction: A Split Verdict
Unsurprisingly, Carragher’s comment has split opinion among Spurs supporters and football fans in general. Many took to social media to defend Romero, calling Carragher’s assessment lazy and dismissive:
> “Romero walks into almost any team in the league. He’s elite and has been crucial to our revival this season. Overrated? Far from it.” — @SpursFan1899 on X (formerly Twitter)
Others, however, acknowledged that Romero still has areas to improve:
“Love Romero, but Carragher’s got a point. Sometimes he loses his head and puts the team in trouble. Needs to cool it a bit if he wants to be among the best.” — @LilywhiteLogic
Conclusion: A Defender Who Divides Opinion
Cristian Romero remains one of Tottenham’s most influential players — a talismanic figure in defense and a fan favorite for his passionate displays. Whether he’s overrated or simply misunderstood depends on the lens through which he’s viewed.
Jamie Carragher’s comment may be controversial, but it serves as a reminder that even top-level players are not immune to scrutiny. For Romero, the best response would be continued consistency, discipline, and leading Spurs to success — proving once and for all that he’s not just a good defender, but one of the Premier League’s very best.
Do you agree with Carragher’s assessment? Is Romero truly overrated, or is he simply a fiery defender with world-class potential? Let us know in the comments.
