Romeo Lavia made just his fourth appearance of the season in Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat against Liverpool on Sunday.
The Blues returned after the international break with a loss at Anfield this weekend in the Premier League, which is a result that puts them sixth in the division table.
Nicolas Jackson scored for visitors Chelsea early in the second-half to cancel out Mohamed Salah’s first-half penalty. However, Curtis Jones netted the winner soon after to put Liverpool back on top of the league.
Romeo Lavia, 20, was a somewhat surprise inclusion in Enzo Maresca’s starting line-up. The Belgian midfielder lasted 53 minutes before he was substituted off, which we’re guessing was pre-planned to manage minutes as he builds up his fitness again.
Speaking via talkSPORT last month, Jason Cundy mentioned the potential of Lavia. We certainly saw glimpses of that this weekend versus Liverpool.
Chelsea fans react to Romeo Lavia vs Liverpool
A selection of Chelsea supporters on social media loved the individual contribution of Lavia at Anfield. Interestingly, many of them all said that he should be a permanent starter in the centre of the park.
Here are Blues fans on X raving about Lavia’s latest display:
@habby_ay wrote: “I don’t care who he pairs him with but Lavia must start every game.”
@theblueside_fc said: “Enzo should always start Lavia when he’s available.”
@TheTawah_ posted: “Lavia should permanently be starting in that midfield.”
@coast2coast84 claimed: “Lavia coming off is a big loss, I get it, but still a big loss!”
@KantessienCfc shared: “Happy almost all have seen the imperious quality of Lavia. Our best CM easily. Not even close.”
Romeo Lavia stats at Anfield
Fotmob data has provided the individual statistics from Lavia’s eye-catching performance against Liverpool.
- Match rating – 7.1
- Minutes played – 53
- Successful dribbles – 3/3 (100%)
- Touches – 35
- Accurate passes – 22/23 (96%)
- Interceptions – 2
- Tackles won – 1/2 (50%)
- Ground duels won – 5/7 (71%)
- Aerial duels won – 1/1 (100%)
Based off the weekend performance, Lavia is going to be such a key player for this Chelsea side if he can stay fit.
The defensive midfielder’s debut season with the Blues last year was wrecked by injury, but he slotted in superbly well against Liverpool. In particular, he stood out for his composure in possession in the No 6 role.
It was Enzo Fernandez that started from the bench at Liverpool, so we’ll be intrigued to see Chelsea’s best midfield combination in the long-term.
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