‘Mad’: Theo Walcott cannot believe how much Chelsea spent on 19-year-old this summer

Add as preferred source on Google

Theo Walcott has heaped praise on Chelsea No.45 Romeo Lavia while speaking to Gary Neville, but feels his transfer fee is a “mad” one.

The 34-year-old made the comments when speaking on The Overlap.

So, what did Theo Walcott say about Romeo Lavia? Let’s take a look…

What’s the story?

Well, the newly retired Englishman told Neville that he thinks the market has gone “mad” after Chelsea spent £58m on the Belgium international.

However, Walcott still heaped praise on Lavia, adding that the 19-year-old is very quick mentally and is someone to keep an eye on.

He said: “Lavia is quick up here (points to his head) and over the first five, six yards with the ball. Good on the ball, very good player. One to keep an eye out for for many years I’d say. (Worth £60m?) It’s gone mad.”

Walcott, of course, is well placed to make a judgement on the teenager, having just spent the 2022/23 campaign with him at Southampton.

Lavia and Walcott shared a pitch on 21 occasions last season as the Saints finished bottom of the Premier League.

Romeo Lavia will transform Chelsea

In the first four Premier League games this season, Chelsea have looked a little ropey in midfield at times, leaving gaps for opponents to surge through.

That was evident after Moises Caicedo lost possession on Saturday against Nottingham Forest, which allowed Taiwo Awoniyi to drive forward and slot Anthony Elanga in before he finished well.

However, with a natural No.6 like Lavia sitting and holding the midfield together, these counters should not happen, or at least occur a lot less.

The Belgian’s safety in possession should also allow the likes of Enzo Fernandez and Ben Chilwell to feel more comfortable pushing forward, knowing the chances of a turnover are low.

Hopefully, Lavia is fit and ready to play after the international break.