Photo by Peksi Cahyo/Getty Images
Photo by Peksi Cahyo/Getty Images
Romeo Lavia completed his first 90 minutes as a Chelsea player in the pre-season victory against AC Milan, and proved exactly how good he is when fit.
Lavia started in midfield alongside Moises Caicedo as Xabi Alonso elected to set the Blues up in a back three for the first time since taking over at Stamford Bridge.
With Chelsea playing again tomorrow, there was an appetite for some players to play the full 90 minutes, including Lavia who did so for the first time since joining in 2023.
Romeo Lavia stars for Chelsea vs AC Milan
The Belgian registered an assist from a corner which he floated to the edge of the box, allowing Caicedo to finish in glorious fashion from the edge of the box.
The move was straight out of new set-piece coach Austin McPhee’s playbook, and was their second goal from a corner of the game.
Chelsea FC v AC Milan - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Lavia completed 97% of his passes throughout the game, only misplacing two passes as he managed to keep Chelsea on the front foot throughout the match.
This came with five passes into the final third, while completing all of his attempted long passes (6/6).
As far as his defensive duties went, there was very little to criticise either. The Belgian made one tackle and eight recoveries, whilst winning 4/6 of his duels.
Alonso learns important lesson about Romeo Lavia
There has been no doubting of Lavia’s quality when fit, although some managers recently have not had a proper opportunity to see his talent on show.
Alonso has now got an up close look at how good he can be, and how important a role he plays when present in the squad.
At a time where there are still no assurances over Enzo Fernandez’s future, having Lavia available will be a massive boost due to his ability to maintain possession in the middle of the park.
Any movement on other midfielders should not include this man, who has so much to give when available for Chelsea.