If Romeo Lavia can keep himself fit, Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca could have some major decisions to make.
In 2023, the Blues made the exciting signing of Belgian youngster Romeo Lavia from Southampton. However, several injury problems have resulted in his Stamford Bridge career never really lifting off.
Even though the 21-year-old defensive midfielder is supremely talented, he’s only played 25 games in Chelsea colours.
When fit, the deep-lying playmaker can do special things. Jason Cundy loves the idea of Lavia and Moises Caicedo together as a partnership, but Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos play in central midfield as well.
Let’s wait and see if Lavia can play for an extended period before getting carried away with his potential and ability.
Will Lavia start against Nottingham Forest this Saturday in the Premier League? He should be closer to full fitness because of the international break. Blues head coach Enzo Maresca was understandably cautious by giving him substitute appearances in the previous two league matches following his latest return from injury.
What Vincent Kompany said about Romeo Lavia after his Manchester City debut
On 21 September 2021, Lavia made his first-team debut for Manchester City. At the age of 17, he played 90 minutes on debut in a 6-1 victory against Wycombe Wanderers in the League Cup before ending up at Southampton a year later.
Man City legend Vincent Kompany, who was managing Anderlecht at the time, shared his admiration for Lavia, who previously came through the academy of the Belgian club.
Kompany told Het Nieuwsblad in September 2021: “He picked up a lot and showed aggressive ball recovery and was also calm on the ball. You need that in that position. Lavia has what Pep Guardiola is looking for.
“Normally, as a young player, you only have one chance in a million to breakthrough immediately at Manchester City, but Lavia can make that happen. He’s such a rare player.”
Even though Maresca will be well aware of Lavia’s ability himself, it would be useful to hear Kompany’s old comments on him as well. The current Bayern Munich head coach picked him out as a “rare” talent at such a young age.
Cole Palmer’s prediction on Lavia is that he can become one of the world’s elite midfielders.
We agree that the Belgian ace has all the tools to excel at the top level because he’s so effective with and without the ball. Until he can put his injuries behind him, it is hard for supporters to truly back him, but the management shouldn’t give up.
The way that Reece James has bounced back in 2025 from a lot of injuries in the past should provide some encouragement that Lavia can do something similar.
Romeo Lavia can shine in the huge fixtures
The way that Lavia effortlessly slots into the Chelsea team, albeit for a brief time, and looks like he’s never been away is a sign of his natural ability.
When the Blues beat Liverpool 2-1 before the international break, Lavia really impressed as a substitute in just his second appearance of the 2025-26 season.
| Minutes played | Accurate passes | Successful dribbles | Tackles | Ground duels won | Match rating |
| 35 | 17/19 (89%) | 1/1 (100%) | 1 | 2/3 (67%) | 6.9 |
If Lavia can stay fit, it would be so useful for Maresca to deploy him in the biggest matches. His composure and quality in possession from the base of midfield can kick Chelsea into a different gear.
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