Romeo Lavia
Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia impressed for Belgium in their Nations League defeat to France(Image: Alex Gottschalk/DeFodi Images)
View 3 Images
Romeo Lavia isn't exactly known for his chance creation.
While the Belgian has a reputation of being calm, composed and tidy in possession, he is not usually able to have too much of an influence when it comes to attacking. In terms of an attacking return for Chelsea, Lavia's numbers are not too high.
Since moving to Stamford Bridge for £58million in August 2023, the 22-year-old midfielder has made a total of 48 appearances in all competitions for the Blues. In that time, Lavia has scored just the one goal - coming in the 4-3 win against Brighton in August of this year - and recorded a single assist; laying the ball off to Cole Palmer for a wonderful solo goal in the 2-1 win against Newcastle United in October 2024.
FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE! Latest Blues news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Chelsea supporters are not used to seeing the defensive-minded Lavia score or assist, which is why they might have been left a bit shocked to see the Belgium international set a goal up in his country's defeat to France on Monday evening.
Lavia helped put the Belgians ahead in the French capital with a defence-splitting pass from deep inside his own half, which saw Dodi Lukebakio run through and smash the ball past a helpless Guillaume Restes in the France goal.
Romeo Lavia in action
Romeo Lavia in action for Belgium in their 4-1 defeat to France(Image: Jean Catuffe)
View 3 Images
It was a fantastic start from Belgium, who went into the half-time break with a surprise lead at the Stade de France. However, a late, Michael Olise-inspired comeback from the French saw them claim all three points in the Nations League bout.
A moment of magic on the edge of the box from Paris Saint-Germain attacker Desire Doue saw the French level the game on 77 minutes before the Olise show started. The Bayern Munich winger, formerly of Chelsea's academy, beat his man on the right wing, perhaps taking him by surprise going onto his weaker right foot, before pulling the ball back to Rayan Cherki to do the rest.
Zinedine Zidane's men then had a two-goal cushion 88 minutes in, this time Olise finding the bottom corner with his right foot in what was a bit of a scramble inside the Belgium box. France were then 4-1 to the good in stoppage time after a fine pass from Doue played through Olise for his second goal of the night.
Michael Olise celebrates
Michael Olise scored twice in France's win over Belgium(Image: Catherine Steenkeste)
View 3 Images
Chelsea defender Maxence Lacroix completed the full 90 minutes for Les Bleus in an excellent win for Zidane's side in Paris. Lavia, meanwhile, was taken off with three minutes of normal time remaining, but it was another fine performance from the former Manchester City midfielder.
Both Lacroix and Lavia are now set to head back to the UK and reunite at Chelsea's training base in Cobham later this week ahead of Saturday afternoon's Premier League clash with Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.