Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Franco Arland - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Photo by Franco Arland - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Photo by Vincent Kalut / Photonews via Getty Images
Photo by Vincent Kalut / Photonews via Getty Images
Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
Photo by BRUNO FAHY / BELGA MAG / Belga / AFP via Getty Images
Photo by BRUNO FAHY / BELGA MAG / Belga / AFP via Getty Images
Going into the break, the £58m star had only played for Belgium on two occasions but he returns to West London having clocked up four more caps – starting twice and coming on as a substitute in two others.
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Romeo Lavia shines as Belgium come close to France upset
On Monday night, Belgium were 1-0 up until the 77th minute before France scored twice. Picking the ball up in the middle of his own half, he drove a low pass that split open a defence including Maxence Lacroix.
Benfica attacker Dodi Lukebakio got on the end of the pass and netted past Toulouse keeper Guillaume Restes. It took until the 77th minute for France to score, Desire Doue equalising for Zidane’s side.
Chelsea target Rayan Cherki got the winner four minutes later, but Belgian fans were delighted with their side’s away performance with Lavia front and centre. The Chelsea star was easily his side’s best player.
Having assisted Cherki’s goal, Olise then got a goal of his own in the 88th minute as Belgium crumbled – conceding four times in the last 15 minutes. It was the Bayern man who also scored France’s fourth.
What Belgium fans said about Chelsea star Lavia’s performance
Belgian fans were stunned not only by Lavia’s assist for Lukebakio, but his overall performance. Notably, the former Southampton star also clocked up 87 minutes, after reports of cramp earlier during the break.
One posted: “I don’t remember seeing such a talented profile in his role among the Red Devils.” Another simply said: “Romeo Lavia is monstrous!”, and “Our Toni Kroos” were the verdicts of more Belgium fans.
The praise poured in for Lavia: “There are some passes that are worth more than goals. It’s crazy how a player can get everyone to agree. Even in the group, Roméo Lavia shocked everyone. Phenomenal.”
Hopefully, Lavia returns to West London with his confidence brimming and his fitness intact as Chelsea prepare to host Bournemouth on the weekend. If Alonso is smart, he surely starts Lavia on Saturday.