Club Brugge paid between 5.5 and 6 million euros for Argentinian defender Zaïd Romero last season. The 24-year-old was the long-awaited left-footed centre-back, with his fighting spirit and physical strength. But his start at Club Brugge is difficult.
Although he occasionally shows his potential, his play remains inconsistent. Marc Degryse and other analysts are critical, pointing to technical shortcomings and lack of mobility and agility. The question remains whether, with some adjustments, Romero can ultimately become the reliable backup for Joel Ordonez and Brandon Mechele. For the time being, Club Brugge will remain content with this new acquisition.
Dream signing for Club Brugge: Romero is basic material
Club Bruges has between last summer 5.5 and 6 million euros paid for the Argentinian defender Zaid Romero. The national champion thus ended its long search for a left-footed central defender, which started on July 15 last year after the departure of Abakar Sylla Unpleasant RC Strasbourg.
In principle, Romero seemed like basic material to gain a permanent place in the defense. He embodies the typical Argentine profile, with an enormous fighting spirit, grinta, where players always play with the knife between their teeth.
He combines physical strength with a ruthless playing style. His ability to anticipate compensates for his slightly slower starting speed. The Latest News even called his arrival a “dream acquisition”.
However, the first official matches of the new season did not go without fits and starts for Romero, and unfortunately he had negative results on several occasions.
“Holding his breath when he has to solve a dire situation”
In the Supercup against Union SG was the search for Zaid Romero and was replaced at half time by Nicky Hayen. Also the first competition match against KV Mechelen did not go smoothly for the Argentinian.
He was sometimes too impetuous and the limitations of his mediocre starting speed were exposed. “A decent defender apparently, but he still has to hold his breath when he has to solve a dangerous situation,” wrote The Latest News.
In return for Standard he clumsily let the ball roll over his feet, which led to the Rouches conceding a goal. Romero is also unable to convince in the build-up. He doesn’t have a play-in pass that can break the lines.
Major question marks remain surrounding the Argentinian acquisition 6 million euros.
A 24-year-old outside bouncer: he does very crazy things
In return for KV Kortrijk made Zaid Romero a good turn. He remains boisterous at times, but was already more solid than in his previous performances Club Bruges. “An outside kicker of 24,” said Niels Poissonierhead of football The Latest Newsvast.
The Newspaper wrote that Romero, with his tough interventions, fits perfectly into the ‘Bluvn Goan’ picture of Club Brugge. “Romero undoubtedly has the potential to play his way into the hearts of blue-black supporters.”
In return for Union SG the Argentinian’s performance was again mixed. He kicked a hole in the air that almost resulted in a goal against and he arrived too late at 0-1.
“Cost 6 million euros, but could not really convince anyone in Bruges’ employment,” wrote The Newspaper. The Latest News emphasizes that Romero certainly has qualities, but also does very crazy things.
“For the time being, it is still a matter of keeping calm when the ball comes near him.”
Romero isn’t ready to be Ordonez and Mechele’s backup
Marc Degryse finds Zaid Romero not playing convincingly Club Bruges. He makes technical errors, is not mobile enough and is often ignored by his direct opponents.
Degryse referred to the beautiful goal of Franjo Ivanovicwho eliminated Romero with a wonderful move. “You don’t want to accept a goal like that as a central defender.”
Hein Vanhaezebrouck thinks Romero’s transfer was absolutely unsuccessful. Also Thomas Taeckeclub watcher of The Latest Newswrites that with the necessary adjustments, Romero can become a reliable backup for Joel Ordonez and Brandon Mechele.
“Which it still isn’t quite today.”
