Romeo Lavia just name-dropped a former Chelsea star when asked for the best leader he has seen.
The Chelsea midfielder has a pretty open schedule, sidelined yet again after a spoiled return to the first team.
Lavia went off early in the Qarabag game at the start of the month. It’s another setback for a player who is yet to play a full 90 for Chelsea since joining over two years ago.
The 21-year-old was recently asked to build his perfect player, and he gave a former Chelsea man as his pick for leadership. A player who left Stamford Bridge just 18 months ago.
Thiago Silva and Romeo Lavia for Chelsea
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Romeo Lavia says Thiago Silva is his greatest ever leader
Lavia shared a dressing room with Thiago Silva for just one season, but the Brazilian’s famed leadership qualities stuck with the young Belgian.
He didn’t hesitate in naming Silva as the best he has seen in that regard.
Romeo Lavia’s Ultimate Baller:
Left foot – Messi
Right foot – Ronaldo
Pace – Ronaldo
Shooting – Kane
Dribbling – Neymar
Football IQ – De Bruyne
Leadership – Silva
Personality – Pogba
Not a bad player, in fairness. But neither is the Belgian, if he could only stay fit.
We all know the quality Lavia possesses — enough to end up knocking on the door of these kinds of conversations.
Thiago Silva with Champions League trophy for Chelsea
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Thiago Silva’s influence at Chelsea
Lavia isn’t the only Chelsea youngster with admiration for Silva.
Jorrel Hato said Silva was his footballing idol when he joined in the summer. His game had no holes and he was a serial winner both in London and further afield.
Chelsea’s new Brazilian star also looks up to the 41-year-old. Estevao spoke to Silva about his Chelsea move — a move that got the defender’s stamp of approval, no doubt.
Silva left Chelsea for free, but that isn’t a reflection on how valued he was during his time at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues haven’t managed to replace him with an equally dominant force. They could certainly use him back in his prime this season.