Cuti Romero gives Atlético a captain to chase trophies

Cuti Romero is emerging as a captain who can help Atlético pursue trophies. His goal mattered in the 2-1 victory over Alavés: he scored the goal that made it 1-2, as reflected in the match score.

His first start at Liverpool did not bring a clean sheet: Oblak conceded twice. But Romero appears to offer the team the kind of defensive authority Godín embodied in the early years of Cholismo. Beyond the numbers, his mere presence has an even greater impact.

Across the next four matches, the Slovenian goalkeeper conceded only a penalty, last Saturday at Mendizorroza, with Romero on the pitch. Real Madrid’s goal during that spell came after the Argentine had been substituted. Having strengthened Atlético’s defence, Romero now faces Manchester United, the side he denied the last trophy it came close to winning, the 2025 Europa League.

In 2025, he led Tottenham to victory in that competition’s final. At Atlético, he needs no armband to demonstrate his leadership: he also inherited Argentina’s captaincy from Messi, who had always recommended him to Barcelona. After a season and a half of waiting, Atlético is building again around a world-class centre-back and can dream of competing for every trophy. Oblak welcomes the change, his teammates benefit from it and opponents fear it; Mbappe is among the forwards Romero has already kept scoreless.