Tottenham defender Cristian Romero believes Lisandro Martinez is one of the two best centre-backs in the Premier League.
Romero, 24, is regarded as one of the best defenders in the competition after completing a solid debut season with Tottenham. The 11-cap Argentina international helped Antonio Conte's side break back into the Premier League's top four after two seasons away.
Martinez, also 24, remains a slightly unknown quantity to the Premier League following his £57million move from Ajax to Manchester United. Romero's national teammate has done well in his six appearances in the competition, helping United win four of those games.
Martinez struggled in his first two games for United - as he was hauled off at half-time in the 4-0 humbling to Brentford - but the defender has since formed a great partnership with World Cup winner Raphael Varane at the heart of Erik ten Hag's defence.
Romero has played with Martinez at international level - winning the Copa America and Finalissima together inside the last 15 months - and thinks the United defender deserves to be regarded in the same light as Liverpool icon Virgil van Dijk.
The Netherlands international, 31, is regarded as one of the greatest defenders ever to grace the Premier League, winning the title with Liverpool in 2019/20. He's also inspired them to six other honours - including the Champions League and Club World Cup.
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Van Dijk was named as UEFA's Player of the Year in 2019 and has finished second in both the Ballon d'Or and FIFA Player of the Year votes. He has also won honours with Celtic - including two Scottish Premiership titles - and has 48 senior caps for his country.
"Today, the best defender for me is Virgil van Dijk - always - and Lisandro Martinez from Manchester United," Romero told Sky Sports. "For me, they are the best in the Premier League."
Romero also expressed a love for Pep Guardiola's Barcelona side that won 14 trophies between 2008 and 2012 - including three La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues. Yet not because of the attacking talents of Lionel Messi, Pedro, Samuel Eto'o or David Villa.
"I always loved watching that team because I loved to watch Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique, and also Javier Mascherano when he played there," claimed Romero. "Those three were beautiful to watch."
Like Martinez, Romero is known for being a fiery defender. The Tottenham ace received 39 yellow cards and was dismissed three times during his 102 games in Italy. He was lucky not to be sent off against Chelsea earlier this season when he pulled Marc Cucurella's hair.
On aggression, he adds: "It really depends on the game. I always try to give opponents maximum respect. If something happens which isn't good, I always reflect on it and I apologise. This season, I think I'm doing better in that sense. I know it's something I have to improve, but I have only had one yellow card in the games I've played so far this year."
