Romeo Lavia has suddenly become one of the most important players in the Chelsea squad following Enzo Fernandez's deadline-day transfer to Manchester City.
Romeo Lavia of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with Levi Colwill, Maxence Lacroix and Wesley Fofana during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Chelsea FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge on August 30, 2026 in London, England
Romeo Lavia celebrates scoring Chelsea's opener vs Brighton with Levi Colwill, Maxence Lacroix and Wesley Fofana(Image: Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Romeo Lavia has revealed how Xabi Alonso plans to get the 'get that extra per cent' out of the Chelsea squad. The 22-year-old has enjoyed a promising start to the new season, starting in each of the opening two Premier League fixtures as well as appearing off the bench in the Carabao Cup second round.
In the absence of Enzo Fernandez, who was frozen out until the end of the transfer window, and Moises Caicedo, who was nursing a knock, Lavia stepped up to the plate, filling the void in the middle of the park. The Belgium international quickly established himself as a key player, featuring alongside Reece James against Fulham and then Malo Gusto against Brighton.
After the Blues failed to replace their vice-captain, who joined Manchester City for a joint British transfer record fee of £125m on deadline day, Lavia now looks set to play an even greater role for Alonso. Speaking recently to club media, the Belgian explained how the new manager has helped the squad overcome adversity.
"Our mentality has been great so far, starting from pre-season," said Lavia. "And the manager has really been big on that to help us get that extra per cent to help us get the three points on the weekend. So far, it's been great."
FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE! Latest Blues news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Providing an update on how he feels, having struggled to stay fit until Alonso's arrival in the summer, Lavia added: "It's all about building confidence. Obviously, my teammates are giving me a lot of it, and the manager as well. It's just about building game by game, and I feel great, so hopefully it can continue forever."
The Chelsea gaffer has put a lot of hard work into solving the midfield puzzle at Stamford Bridge, eager to reduce the reliance on Fernandez, who's no longer at the club, and Caicedo, who's been put through his paces ever since he arrived from Brighton in August 2023.
At the start of last month, Lavia completed his first full game in just over two years. It was the first time since August 4, 2024, when Chelsea lost to Manchester City in a pre-season friendly, that the Belgian had played from start to finish.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Alonso showered Lavia with praise, celebrating his overcoming of a mental block. He has since rarely left the starting lineup and will likely feature in the middle of the park when the Blues face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday evening.
"We know our colleagues, and when we know that our colleagues can take over, we just need to make sure the rest goes with it,’ said Lavia. "We realise that it's automatic – that we just push each other.
"We know our colleagues will take over in the end. It's honestly a great group to be in, and the demands in training every single day make it easier to then perform on the weekend.
Romeo Lavia celebrates
Romeo Lavia celebrates scoring for Chelsea against Brighton at Stamford Bridge(Image: Bryn Lennon)
View 2 Images
"There's a lot of work that goes behind the scenes, and it was just about putting that into practice. And we're happy that they came off well [against Brighton], so I’m very happy."
Lavia, of course, also finally opened his account as a Chelsea player last weekend, breaking the deadlock in the 4-2 win over Brighton. He added: "It means a lot to score my first – a lot. I’m very happy to score at the Bridge as well.
"For a first one, it can't get any better. I think I'm going to rewatch the goal a few more times. It's not the best-looking goal, but I'll take it every day. It was a fantastic reaction from the fans, and from my teammates as well.
"I really felt the love, so it was an amazing feeling."