Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia vs Man United
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Romeo Lavia has hit top form at Chelsea this season, and Xabi Alonso may have Eden Hazard to thank.
The Blues recently beat Manchester United 2-0 in the Premier League, with Lavia starring on the day. In fact, for many, it was Lavia’s best performance in a Chelsea shirt.
The midfielder is in constant contact with Hazard, who was at Stamford Bridge on Saturday to watch his compatriot and Chelsea defeat their rivals.
READ MORE:The Romeo Lavia moment Chelsea’s cameras missed after Morgan Rogers scored v Man United
Eden Hazard is giving Romeo Lavia ‘extra motivation’
Hazard helped convince Lavia to join Chelsea from Southampton back in the summer of 2023. He did not just leave things there, though.
Lavia has revealed that they speak quite often and that trying to make the Chelsea legend proud is giving him “extra motivation” in games.
Speaking to BBC Sport, the Belgian said: “Yes, he’s a very important figure for me and we speak quite [a] lot, so it’s good to see him out here and I can see in his eyes that he’s happy for me and proud, so that gives me that extra motivation.”
Romeo Lavia or Alex Scott? Who would Moises Caicedo rather start alongside and why?
If it was a level playing field, Lavia. But given his fitness issues, it's got be Scott regularly? Nice headache to have!
Alex Scott for me. A real baller right there. 👏
Lavia is absolutely destined for the top if he can stay fit, but that's not the case. It makes sense for Chelsea to sign Scott. He provides bit of a different profile. Don't think one will hinder the other honestly
Alonso would love to have Hazard in his squad now, but Chelsea’s current attack is very capable and showed that against United. Morgan Rogers scored a terrific solo goal, while Cole Palmer managed to score from the spot.
Estevao Willian was also dangerous after being handed his first start in the Premier League this season. Next up for Estevao, Lavia and the rest of Alonso’s team is a trip to the Stadium of Light to take on Sunderland.
Romeo Lavia is doing more defensively this season
Lavia is running slightly faster than he was last season. According to FotMob, his current top speed is 32.7 km/h, whereas it was 31.9 km/h last term. What has been really noticeable, though, is the Belgium international’s defensive contribution.
Lavia’s defensive numbers against United were incredible, but his defensive stats in general have improved. For example, his average for defensive contributions right now is 14.56. In the previous campaign, it was only 8.83.
He is making far more tackles per 90 minutes. Under Xabi Alonso, Lavia has been making 3.15 compared to 1.91 last season.
His interceptions have also gone up, with the former Southampton man now making 2.91 after previously averaging 1.19. On the ball, Lavia has always been excellent when fit, but his defensive contribution of late has been excellent.