CristianRomero was once again the center of attention for Atlético de Madrid by scoring the decisive goal in the 2‑1 victory over Deportivo Alavés, at the Mendizorroza stadium, on October 10. The Argentine striker scored in the 87th minute, giving Colchonero the three points it needed to stay close to Barcelona in the First Division table. With this goal, Romero became the first goalscorer of his season with the club, giving an additional boost to his already impressive adaptation to the team.
The signing of Romero, who arrived at Atlético in the summer window, has been considered one of the most successful moves of the season. According to JuanPabloSorín, a former colleague and commentator for the Movistar network, the Argentine “only needed one goal to start the season strong.” Sorín highlighted the calmness and leadership that Romero brings to the midfield, comparing it to his performance in international matches, such as the one he played against Egypt and the recent 4‑0 victory against Bolivia, where he also scored.
In the Argentina team, Romero has been named the new captain after the retirement of figures such as LionelMessi and ÁngelDiMaría. His role as a leader is reflected in his defensive performance: in recent games he has maintained an average of 8.4 duels won per game, with 74% effectiveness, and he has exceeded four aerials per game, placing himself among the best in LaLiga in that category. Furthermore, his interceptions and ball recoveries are impressive, with 5.2 and 6.8 respectively per game, and only 0.2 dribbles suffered.
Atlético has enjoyed four consecutive victories in LaLiga, adding 12 points, and in each of those games Romero's presence has been a common factor. His passing accuracy, with a 91.8% accuracy rate, has contributed to the construction of the game from the defense, allowing Simeone to take advantage of the team's quick transitions.
With the season still underway, Romero's performance suggests he will continue to be a key asset for both Atlético and the Argentine national team. The colchonero's next game will be crucial to consolidate his position in the squad and keep the pressure on Barcelona in the fight for the title.