Chelsea started the new Premier League season with a defeat at home to Manchester City, but there’s one or two positives that can still be found from the contest.
The Blues lost 2-0 at home to reigning champions Man City on Sunday afternoon, with goals from Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic for the visitors.
From a Chelsea perspective, Romeo Lavia was an obvious plus point with his individual performance. The 20-year-old started as a deep-lying midfielder and put in such an assured display on and off the ball.
Chelsea fans agreed Lavia was excellent versus Man City, so it’s going to be very exciting to see what he can do moving forward this campaign. When Enzo Maresca reflects on his first game as the club’s head coach, surely he’ll put a massive tick by Lavia’s name.
- READ MORE: Romeo Lavia was absolutely furious with £25m Chelsea teammate during 2-0 loss to Manchester City
Elsewhere, another Chelsea player did manage to make a statement with his efforts this weekend.
Wesley Fofana a massive positive for Chelsea
First of all, it’s worth remembering that Wesley Fofana just played his first competitive match for over a year. Unfortunately, he missed the whole of the 2023/24 season with a long-term injury.
When you look at the way he’s just come in and performed against the juggernaut that is Man City, who possess the world’s best striker in Haaland, it’s a statement in itself.
Fofana, 23, was perhaps a surprise name in Chelsea’s starting line-up on Sunday for their Premier League opener.
The French centre-back has been involved in pre-season for the Blues, but it was a bold call to throw him into the XI straight away against Man City. He ended up partnering teammate Levi Colwill in the heart of defence.
While Fofana’s display was far from faultless, the way he played for the full 90 minutes was impressive.
He was extremely aggressive with his defending, particularly with Haaland, which is something the fans would’ve enjoyed. The centre-half may have been a tad rash and too eager to impress, but you can’t blame him after over a year on the sidelines.
He’s like a new signing
The return of Fofana at the back definitely feels like a new signing for the Blues. Let’s hope that his partnership with Colwill can develop and grow in the coming months.
Speaking via talkSPORT back in April, Jeff Stelling called Fofana “outstanding” and suggested he could still have a big future at Chelsea.
Fofana’s got all the tools needed to be a top centre-back with his pace, strength, aggression and composure. It might take him a little while to get back to full speed, but his performance against Man City should be a brilliant springboard for him.
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