EXCLUSIVE: Cristian Romero earns backing for approach with Spurs players as Arsenal pair dismissed
Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba have built one of the Premier League’s strongest centre-back pairings in recent years. Arsenal have conceded only five league goals this season, with the duo’s consistency helping Mikel Arteta’s side open up a four-point lead at the top. Many consider them the best defensive partnership in the division as the Gunners push for their first title since 2004 — but not everyone agrees.
Speaking to football.london via Football Odds, former midfielder Sandro was asked whether Tottenham’s Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven form the league’s top pairing. He believes they do, praising Romero’s leadership and Van de Ven’s pace.
“I think so — for me, they’re the best defensive partnership in the Premier League. Van de Ven’s quality and speed stand out,” Sandro said. “Yes, he made an error against Chelsea, but everyone makes mistakes. When you weigh them up against all the good he brings, he’s fantastic.”
He also lauded Romero’s mentality: “Romero’s leadership is unbelievable. You can tell by how he controls the game, how he speaks to referees and midfielders. I love him — a real leader. He’s also getting better at avoiding the unnecessary yellow and red cards. He’ll always go hard for the ball, but he’s calmer now.”
Sandro’s stance is the opposite of Arsenal icon Martin Keown, who previously declared Magalhaes and Saliba the best centre-back duo in Europe. “Gabriel and Saliba are Europe’s top partnership — aggressive and dominant,” he told TNT Sports in 2024.
Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand has echoed that view. “I think they’re the best pairing in Europe,” he said on his YouTube channel, praising their perfectly balanced styles.
Arsenal and Spurs will soon get the chance to settle the debate on the pitch when they meet in their first game after the international break on Sunday, November 23.
