Romeo Lavia made a rare start in Chelsea’s 3-0 loss to Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday.
The midfielder has struggled to stay fit this season, but he is available again and was given an opportunity against the Toffees by Liam Rosenior.
It was a disappointing night for Chelsea; however, Lavia was definitely one positive.
Should Chelsea sack Liam Rosenior? Or are the players to blame?🤔
Everton v Chelsea - Premier League
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The most minutes Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia has played in the Premier League this season
Because of all of his fitness problems, Lavia has not played a full 90 minutes in any competition all season.
However, the 22-year-old was on the pitch at the Hill Dickinson Stadium for almost an hour before being replaced by Andrey Santos.
It is the longest he has played in the Premier League this term, a fact shared by BBC Sport journalist Nizaar Kinsella on X.
Andrey Santos of Chelsea high fives his teammate Romeo Lavia
Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Lavia has returned to fitness at the perfect time for Chelsea, who have some tough games remaining before the season ends.
Their next two matches in the Premier League are against Manchester City and Manchester United, while they still have to play Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur afterwards.
In Chelsea’s victory over Wrexham in the FA Cup earlier this month, Lavia looked a bit rusty. But even in that game his passing stats were very good.
Liam Rosenior could have Romeo Lavia and Andrey Santos decision to make in the future
While Santos was on the bench against Everton and replaced Lavia, he has been a regular starter under Rosenior.
However, if Lavia remains fit, Santos could easily end up losing his spot in the first XI. It was perhaps hard to see on Saturday, as Chelsea played so poorly, but when Lavia is on the pitch, the Blues are usually a much better outfit.
The £58m Belgium international is a huge asset in build-up play, capable of receiving the ball on the edge of the box before passing it forward. It may not be long before Rosenior has to choose between Lavia and one of his favourite players.
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