Arguably Chelsea’s most impressive player of pre-season is one of those who hardly featured for the club in the prior campaign.
Romeo Lavia was able to manage just 45 minutes for his new club last season, with injuries causing serious issues for him.
However, he has started every game of the recent pre-season tour of the United States, throwing himself in contention for a place in the side who take on Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
He will face serious competition from his role. Enzo Fernandez, who will be one of the vice-captains, is almost certain to start.
With very few minutes under his belt for Chelsea, it would be easy for Lavia to lose confidence at such an important stage of his career.
Eden Hazard helping Romeo Lavia at Chelsea
However, he has claimed that Chelsea legend Eden Hazard has been on his side when he has needed him.
He told Football London: “Eden [Hazard] is a great guy and like a big brother. Whenever I need advice I go to him. You’ve all seen the video for the announcement, but apart from that, he told me to get to know the club and then you will love it.”
It has already been claimed that Chelsea see Lavia as a player who can be a leader at club in the future, despite his young age.
Lavia suiting Enzo Maresca perfectly
So far, it has looked as if the young Belgian has suited what Enzo Maresca is trying to do perfectly, and this has led to him featuring as much as he has.
Hazard meanwhile remains a figure as popular as ever when it comes to Chelsea fans after his extremely successful spell in West London.
His brilliance has been matched by Cole Palmer after last season, with him winning both awards at the club’s ceremony late last season.
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