Argentina has been a hub for producing exciting talents in recent times. Manchester City signed Julian Alvarez from River Plate. Alejandro Garnacho is tearing it up in the youth system of Manchester United. The next star who has been quietly making waves plays in Serie A.
— Luka Romero Bezzana (@LukaRomero10) July 14, 2018
Lazio midfielder Luka Romero is 17-years-old and is already a part of the senior setup. Moreover, Romero has been compared to the “Mexican Messi.” But he grew up in Spain. Then why is Argentina so excited about him? That in itself is an interesting tale.
Who is Luka Romero?
Luka Romero was born in Durango City but moved to Spain when he was three. Romero and his family moved to the Balearic Islands four years later. It was here that Romero started his footballing career with PE Sant Jordi. From a very early age, he was being called the next Messi. Romero could have followed Messi to Barcelona, where he had a trial in 2011, but the Catalans could not sign him.
🇦🇷 Lionel y Luka Romero. pic.twitter.com/PIbr8pKOBt
— Messismo (@Messismo10) March 24, 2022
This was because Barcelona do not sign players under the age of 10 who are not locally grown. In 2015, Luka Romero signed with Mallorca on an eight-year youth deal. Since he first came to prominence in his hometown in 2019, Romero had scored 230 goals in 108 goals.
That ridiculous output saw the then senior team manager Vicente Moreno take notice. Romero’s debut came on June 16, 2020, at the age of 15 years and 221 days.
In the history books of #LaLiga… 📚#OnThisDay last year, Luka Romero became the youngest player ever to debut in #LaLigaHistory! 👶✨ pic.twitter.com/0N59xCoUtH
— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) June 24, 2021
La Liga had to allow Mallorca and Romero special permission to play since players below 16 cannot play in the competition. He joined Lazio in 2021, making his debut on an opening day. That feat saw him become the club’s youngest ever player at 16 years, nine months, and 10 days.
Luka Romero potential
When you are being compared to Lionel Messi from such an early age, there is always immense potential. Luka Romero has shown that he has the determination and grit to succeed at the top level. He has always been playing several levels above his age group. Romero had 25 appearances combined between Mallorca and Mallorca B in 2020-21, scoring three times.
Luka Romero has 5 appearances for Lazio this season
17 years old, he’s already gained trust & respect of Sarri. His speed, dribbling & passing has been impressive. He’s looked confident
This season he received his first ever call up to Argentina’s senior squad
Bright future🦅 pic.twitter.com/MFRKQ5bXMx
— Jerry Mancini (@jmancini8) April 8, 2022
Since coming to Lazio, he has been in and around the senior squad, appearing four times till now. Moreover, his unique living situation meant he is eligible to represent all three countries. However, it is clear in which direction Romero is leaning.
“My whole family is Argentine, my dream is to wear the national shirt,” Romero revealed in 2018. Just a year later, Romero was called up to the U15 Argentina squad for the South American Championship. Argentina finished, Romero scored twice and gushed,
“I was lucky to be able to play with the Argentine National Team and I realized that dreams come true with effort.”
Luka Romero stats
Luka Romero has played only 51 minutes in Serie A, without scoring yet. His passing has been almost perfect with 96.4% accuracy. Romero is a playmaker, most suited to the number 10 role. He likes to link up play, receive the ball often and carry it over distances. Romero wants to beat his man one-on-one and shows his confidence in taking on players.
✍️ 16 year-old wonderkid Luka Romero is on the verge of joining Lazio from Mallorca.
🇦🇷 The Argentine became the youngest player to debut in La Liga last June at the age of 15 years and 219 days!
The Italian giants are getting a gem. pic.twitter.com/ar3uAn6U2P
— Soccer Manager Games | Download SM24 Now! (@SoccerManager) July 18, 2021
Like most playmakers nowadays, he hballplayerhooting skills and wants to make things happen. Luka Romero has been training with Lazio over the entirety of the season, which goes to show how highly he is rated. Moreover, he is also developing into a potential superstar for Argentina as they prepare to move on from Messi.
Skills and style of play
As mentioned above, Luka Romero is an excellent ball player with a variety of tricks. He has good close control and likes to dribble. That is common in other number 10s too, most commonly Argentine star Paulo Dybala who is leaving Juventus soon. It is clear that Romero has taken after his Argentine idols.
Moreover, given that he has already played in two different leagues, Romero has shown he can play in different styles. That kind of thing will be extremely helpful as his career goes on. Though he will not contribute much defensively, Luka Romero is the type of player whose best work comes up front.
Where can Paulo Dybala land up in the summer? Here we present the best options for the enigmatic playmaker.
The strikers will be feasting on through balls and crosses into the box Romero excels at. Romero also likes to have free roam and gets attracted to the ball so the opponents cannot rest when he is around.
Future at Lazio
Luka Romero is tied to Lazio till at least 2024. There is no doubt that he will be seeing more game time in 2022-23. Lazio are in an intense battle for the final Champions League spot. Even if they cannot make it, they are sure to play in either of the two remaining European competitions.
🚨 MESSI RECOMENDÓ A LUKA ROMERO PARA PSG 🚨
Según informan en el Corriere dello Sport, la Pulga le aconsejó a la directiva del conjunto parisino contratar al joven de 18 años que se desempeña en la Lazio de Italia.
🇦🇷 ¿Te gustaría verlos juntos? pic.twitter.com/OGKhpkJc4D
— TNT Sports Argentina (@TNTSportsAR) April 10, 2022
They are also on the lookout for a replacement to Luis Alberto and Romero fits the role perfectly. Moreover, he was recently called up the senior Argentina squad and looks certain to make his debut in 2022. A further twist comes in the form of reports stating that Messi is urging PSG to sign Romero. Therefore, that will be some story, the present playing with the future together.
