Romeo Lavia has been tasked with building the ultimate player, naming a former Manchester United midfielder as the best passer of all time.
Manchester United considered a move for Romeo Lavia in the summer, but the Belgian international remained at Chelsea.
Lavia emerged as a potential world-class talent at Southampton before joining Chelsea in 2023.
mail iconJoin our newsletter for news & smart analysis.
The 21-year-old’s time at Chelsea has been overwhelmingly defined by a series of injuries, but he has made seven appearances for Enzo Maresca’s side this season.
That said, Lavia is expected to have another spell on the sidelines after sustaining a new injury in a recent Champions League tie against Qarabag last week.
United contemplated a move for Lavia after a deal to sign Carlos Baleba failed to materialise.
With United expected to sign a new midfielder or two in 2026, it remains to be seen who will be at the top of the priority list next summer.
Paul Pogba training for Monaco
Photo by Laurent Coust/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Romeo Lavia hails Paul Pogba’s passing ability
Paul Pogba had two spells at United, after initially coming through the academy and winning the FA Youth Cup in 2011.
More United News
The Frenchman’s second spell at Old Trafford was one of the most-talked-about periods of the club’s recent history. Pogba showed glimpses of brilliance, constant media scrutiny and persistent debate over his consistency and commitment following a spat with Jose Mourinho.
Pogba returned for a then world-record fee of £89 million and he was expected to be the centrepiece of the club’s midfield shortly after Mourinho was appointed manager.
Lavia, for one, remembers the more positive moments from Pogba’s career at United and Juventus. The 32-year-old is currently under contract at Monaco after serving a doping ban.
The Chelsea star picked Pogba’s passing and personality when selecting his ultimate footballer. Cristiano Ronaldo was the only other player to be selected for two categories: right foot and pace.
Left foot: Messi
Right foot: Cristiano Ronaldo
Pace: Cristiano Ronaldo
Shooting: Harry Kane
Passing: Paul Pogba
Dribbling: Neymar
Football IQ: Kevin De Bruyne
Leadership: Thiago Silva
Personality: Paul Pogba
Although Pogba signed for Monaco in the summer, the French midfielder has yet to make a competitive appearance for the Ligue 1 club.
In fact, it’s been over two years since Pogba last stepped onto the pitch in a competitive fixture.
Would Karim Adeyemi be a good signing for Manchester United?
After leaving United for a second time, Pogba’s return to Juventus was blighted by injuries, and his career looked to be over when he was handed a four-year doping suspension after testing positive for DHEA at the start of the 2023/24 season.
The ban was eventually reduced to 18 months last October, but Monaco has been careful about introducing the experienced midfielder to the team.
We’re approaching the midway point of the 2025/26 campaign, and Pogba has yet to make his debut for Monaco.