Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia made his first start of the season against Nottingham Forest, and Peter Crouch believes he is “top-class”.
Since arriving at Stamford Bridge in a £58million deal in 2023, Lavia has made just 25 appearances, having been affected by a number of injuries.
He returned from a muscle strain against Brighton & Hove Albion before delivering an impressive cameo in the win over Liverpool before the international break.
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The 21-year-old was finally given his big opportunity by Enzo Maresca at the City Ground, and Peter Crouch has tipped him for greatness, provided he can avoid one issue.
Peter Crouch says Romeo Lavia must stay fit
Delivering his verdict on Lavia on TNT Sports ahead of kick-off, the pundit said: “I think Romeo Lavia is a top-class player, he genuinely is. When he’s fit, he’s as good as anything around.
“But what has held him back is the lack of game time and fitness. He’s a shoo-in in this team if he’s fit, but he just has to stay fit.”
Injury worries to Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez saw Lavia thrust back into the firing line, and if Maresca can get him playing at his best this season, he will feel like a brand-new signing.
Cole Palmer said Lavia was the most underrated player in the world, and the view from the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge hasn’t changed despite his niggly setbacks.
Indeed, TBR Football reported that the midfielder is still highly rated by the club, and they fully believe in him as a player.
Enzo Maresca on Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez fitness
Maresca provided a fitness update on Caicedo and Fernandez ahead of his side’s trip to Forest and appeared to suggest neither would be ruled out long-term.
“They [Caicedo, Fernandez and Pedro Neto] didn’t take part in the session yesterday, but we will see if they can train today,” he said. “Otherwise, they would be out for tomorrow.”
Speaking pre-match at the City Ground, the Blues boss spoke in more detail on Fernandez’s condition, adding: “No, it is not a big concern. Hopefully he can be back very soon.
“It’s not just about Enzo and Moi. We need to try and find a different solution.”