Cole Palmer has said Romeo Lavia was the standout performer from Chelsea’s 2-0 Premier League win against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. The England international also explained why he constantly tried to play Estevao as he made his first league start of the season.
Lavia was the engine of the Chelsea midfield alongside Moises Caicedo and provided the assist for Morgan Rogers to make it 1-0 in the 50th minute. The Belgian completed 64 of his 71 passes (90%) and made the most defensive actions of anyone on the pitch, winning the ball back 14 times. Palmer then doubled the lead from the spot after Lisandro Martinez was sent off for his second booking.
Speaking to BBC Sport after the match, Palmer said:
“Today was one of the best games I’ve seen him play. I’ve said all along he’s one of my favourite midfielders, people still don’t realise how good he is. Today I thought he was the best player on the pitch. Obviously, he’s had his injury problems but he’s trying to put that behind him now and put in performances like today.”
The praise for the 22-year-old is well earned as he has struggled to play much since joining West London. Lavia joined from Southampton in a £53 million deal in 2023 but has been plagued by injuries, playing only 53 games in three years.
Palmer, who scored his 50th Premier League goal for the Blues on his 105th appearance, also spoke about his chemistry with Estevao. The Brazilian could not get on the scoresheet as he had two efforts disallowed for offside, but Palmer said:
“Every time I got the ball I tried to give it to him to show what he can do because I know he’s been wanting to play, he’s been patient and he played well.”
Xabi Alonso Praises Romeo Lavia’s ‘Top, Top Performance’ Against Manchester United
Alonso was equally complimentary towards his midfielder, saying it was “a top, top performance” and that the Belgian was “always connecting the defence with the attacking players”. Alonso also highlighted Lavia’s ability to switch play:
“From a midfielder point of view, for me it has been a top, top performance. He’s done so many things right, he’s been always connecting the defence with the attacking players, he’s been able to switch the game, he’s taken many right decisions, he’s been very dynamic, competitive.”
Alonso was just as pleased with Estevao, who had been an unused substitute in the midweek Carabao Cup shootout defeat at Liverpool:
“He has had the best response to show that he deserves more. He deserved to enjoy his game, he had a good connection with the crowd.”