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Tottenham defenders Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie hailed \u201cleader\u201d Cristian Romero after they combined to extend Ange Postecoglou\u2019s unbeaten start at the club with a 1-0 win at Luton.<\/p>\n
Spurs created a plethora of chances early on at Kenilworth Road, but Yves Bissouma received two yellow cards in quick succession in the first half to alter the course of Saturday\u2019s game.<\/p>\n
While Van de Ven put Tottenham ahead in the 52nd-minute, Luton made the most of their numerical advantage to pile the pressure on, but vice-captain Romero in particular shone with 12 clearances and five aerial duals won during a colossal display over the 90 minutes.<\/p>\n
\u201cAmazing player, unbelievable player,\u201d centre-back Van de Ven said of Romero to SpursPlay.<\/p>\n
\u201cDefensively so strong, with the ball so strong, keeps talking, for me an amazing player.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had to concentrate for the full 90 minutes. We had to keep pushing, keep commanding and holding a strong line. We help each other and have each others back.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone keeps talking the whole time and most of the time no one is losing concentration, but everyone is keeping each other awake and you saw we defended really well to keep the clean sheet.\u201d<\/p>\n
Left-back Udogie echoed those sentiments, saying: \u201cI think Cuti (Romero) is a real leader.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can\u2019t feel more safe (than) with Cuti and he shows this every day in training, in the game and he helps us a lot.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs you saw it was really tough and with a man less it was more tough but this is the spirit of our squad. We keep working hard for each other and the result come.\u201d<\/p>\n
https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CyGa3xntVYd<\/p>\n
On his maiden Italy call-up, Udogie added: \u201cIt is a big dream for me you know. As a young kid I was always dreaming for this moment.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow it has come and I have to just stay focused, enjoy the time, work hard for the team and give my best.\u201d<\/p>\n
Spurs have won six of their eight Premier League matches under Postecoglou, which makes this the club\u2019s best start to a top-flight season since the 1960-61 double-winning campaign.<\/p>\n
The goals have flowed, but the Australian has added a steel to a previously frail defensive unit and this shut-out was Tottenham\u2019s third with new first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.<\/p>\n
Postecoglou said: \u201cThey\u2019ve been great all year, both the centre-backs, the whole back four and Vic.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think a big part of that is Romero because when you look at it, it\u2019s Destiny\u2019s first year in the Premier League, Micky\u2019s first year, Vic\u2019s first year and (Pedro) Porro is just beginning his Premier League career, but they\u2019ve got a World Cup winner beside them.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think Cuti makes them feel like they belong. They feel really comfortable having him beside them and you can see them flourish.<\/p>\n
I think Cuti is a real leader. You can’t feel more safe (than) with Cuti and he shows this every day in training, in the game and he helps us a lot.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe is someone you definitely want in your team. Yes he does have that physicality about him, but he\u2019s a good player as well.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis passing range, ability to really position himself well, to stay calm and then just ridiculous bravery to always put his body in there. He\u2019s just an outstanding defender.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lionel Messi recently labelled Argentina team-mate Romero as the best defender in the world.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s a good judge,\u201d Postecoglou smiled.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, newly-promoted Luton were left to rue missed chances after suffering a sixth defeat, but could soon call upon the services of free agent Andros Townsend after he played for their under-21s on Friday.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will see,\u201d Hatters boss Rob Edwards said. \u201cIt has to be right for him. We will have a look and see how it goes.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe played on Friday night the full game.\u201d<\/p>\n