Alejandro Garnacho Names Tottenham Hotspur Star as the ‘Best in the World’ | OneFootball

Garnacho Salutes Romero as Tottenham Seize Europa League Glory over Manchester United

In a Europa League final short on sparkle but high on significance, Tottenham Hotspur emerged triumphant with a 1–0 win over Manchester United in Bilbao. While the quality of football may not linger long in the memory, the symbolism of Tottenham’s first major trophy in 17 years will.

Alejandro Garnacho, one of United’s few bright sparks on the night, offered a generous post-match tribute to compatriot Cristian Romero, naming him the “best centre-back in the world” following a performance that embodied grit, discipline and leadership.

“We know Cuti, he’s the best centre-back in the world,” Garnacho told ESPN Argentina.“He deserves it, congratulations to him.”

That praise, while perhaps tinged with frustration, came after a match where Manchester United failed to find fluency. Spurs, on the other hand, were disciplined, compact and utterly uncompromising, with Romero at the heart of it all.

Photo: IMAGO

Spurs’ Solidity Stifles United attack

This was not a final laden with drama or flowing sequences of play. Brennan Johnson’s scrappy goal late in the first half proved decisive, but Tottenham’s defensive resilience sealed the result. Romero, alongside the lightning-quick Micky van de Ven, repelled every attempt Manchester United mustered in the closing stages.

Statistically, Romero’s performance was quietly authoritative. A 92 percent pass accuracy, six duels won and a crucial presence in aerial battles and interceptions underscored his growing reputation. Against a United side that only flickered to life after Garnacho’s second-half introduction, he remained unflustered, always one step ahead.

The image of van de Ven’s acrobatic goal-line clearance and Romero squaring off against Harry Maguire—recast as a late striker in a desperate tactical shift—defined the chaotic final moments. But Tottenham held firm.

Garnacho’s Role Shows Signs of Promise

Though introduced late, Alejandro Garnacho once again showed why he is becoming so central to Manchester United’s attacking plans. His direct running and willingness to challenge Spurs’ back line brought urgency to a flat United display.

It speaks volumes that Garnacho, despite the disappointment, was quick to acknowledge Romero’s performance. There is a growing maturity in the way the young winger carries himself, reflecting both leadership and respect, particularly towards his Argentina teammates.

For United fans, Garnacho’s cameo was one of the few positives to take from a frustrating evening. His development remains one of the club’s most encouraging storylines in a season that continues to ask difficult questions of the team’s broader direction.

What Next for Tottenham and Manchester United?

For Tottenham Hotspur, this victory will be seen as vindication. Criticised in years past for their inability to turn progress into silverware, they now have a European trophy in their hands. It may be the Europa League, but its psychological impact could be transformative.

Cristian Romero, often linked with a move to Spain, addressed those rumours with characteristic bluntness after the final. His focus remains on Tottenham, at least for now, and performances like this one will only harden Spurs’ resolve to build around him.

Manchester United, meanwhile, are left to reflect on another opportunity missed. The lack of cutting edge, the reactive gameplan and the reliance on individual moments rather than sustained quality must be addressed. Garnacho might be a key figure in what comes next, but without systemic improvement, even his rising star may not be enough to lift the club back to where they aspire to be.