Romeo Lavia has shared the name of the Chelsea legend that he used to look up to as a youngster. In fact, he even thinks they’re similar in some ways with their style of play.
Romeo Lavia, 21, is one of the most exciting and talented youngsters in the current Chelsea squad.
The Belgian star, who shines as a deep-lying central midfielder, makes such a difference to the Blues XI when he’s playing. Unfortunately, his game time has been very limited since his move to Stamford Bridge one and a half seasons ago.
Lavia is nearing his return from injury for Chelsea as the defensive midfielder works behind the scenes to get back on the pitch.
While there’s no doubt about his individual quality, it’s frustrating that he’s only played 12 matches across all competitions so far this season. This comes after missing nearly the whole of the 2023/24 campaign with a long-term problem.
Romeo Lavia names Chelsea legend he idolised, thinks they have similarities
Lavia has shared that Claude Makelele is the Chelsea legend he idolised in his youth. He believes they play in a similar way, too. In fairness, both are such intelligent operators in and out of possession at the base of midfield.
Makelele, who was with the Blues from 2003-2008, was one of the greatest defensive midfielders of his generation.
Lavia was asked on the Premier League’s official YouTube channel if there were any Premier League midfielders he looked up to in his childhood. He responded: “Claude Makelele. When I was much, much younger, people told me I kind of played like him.
“Obviously I was too young to watch him week in and week out, but I’ve watched some clips, and I can see some similarities. I’d definitely say him. From there I started to watch him more and more, his clips and old games.”
Lavia isn’t the only current Chelsea star to look up to the Blues icon. Moises Caicedo previously named Makelele as an inspiration.
The retired 51-year-old has definitely gone down as one of the best midfielders to ever play for the club.
| Club | Appearances | Trophies |
| Chelsea | 217 | 6 |
| Nantes | 205 | 1 |
| Real Madrid | 145 | 7 |
| Paris Saint-Germain | 118 | 1 |
| Celta Vigo | 88 | 0 |
| Marseille | 36 | 0 |
Michael Ballack says people “didn’t notice” Chelsea teammate Makelele and all his unsung work sitting in front of the back four. However, he made the role more fashionable and so many teams in modern football now play with a deeper midfielder.
Romeo Lavia in similar boat to Reece James
We’re convinced that Blues captain Reece James, 25, is in the conversation alongside the world’s very best right-backs when he’s fit and firing. Similarly, Lavia is definitely one of the most exciting young midfielders in European football right now.
The Chelsea teammates both desperately need to try shake off the frequent injuries that are preventing them from reaching their full potential, though.
Lavia worked extremely hard during pre-season in preparation for his second season with Chelsea, but it’s alarming for everyone that he can’t stay fit for an extended period.
Even though the club should persist with the two outstanding individuals for as long as possible, it’s obvious they need reliable options in their best XI moving forward.
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