Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
For a third consecutive game in the Premier League, Romeo Lavia was able to start for Chelsea!
Lavia could not help prevent his side from losing to their London rivals Arsenal on Sunday, but there were still some positives to take away from the match, including his performance.
Since his £58m move from Southampton to Chelsea in 2023, the midfielder has struggled with injuries. However, right now, this may be the fittest he has been since arriving at the club.
Chelsea player ratings vs Arsenal
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Xabi Alonso withdrew Lavia on the hour mark, perhaps feeling that the 22-year-old was starting to tire. But in the first half he was moving very well.
Technically, Lavia is an exceptional footballer. His control under pressure is top-notch, but what was noticeable on Sunday was the fact that he could get up and down the pitch with little trouble and how strong he was on the ball.
The above has not always been possible because of his fitness, but again, this is the fittest that Lavia has looked in a while, and that has not been difficult to see.
Due to his fitness record, though, Alonso still needs to be cautious with the Belgian. Chelsea’s next game is against Leeds United in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
Romeo Lavia of Chelsea
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Leeds are Premier League opposition. Alonso may feel he needs Lavia for this sort of game, especially with Moises Caicedo out injured.
At the same time, though, the former Real Madrid boss will not want to take any risks for a Carabao Cup tie.
Alonso did not risk Levi Colwill against Arsenal, naming him on the bench, while he has admitted that Caicedo came back too early for the victory over his former side Brighton & Hove Albion.
It is imperative now for Alonso and Chelsea to do everything they can to keep Lavia fit, especially with Enzo Fernandez no longer at the club.