Chelsea fans have only seen a glimpse of Romeo Lavia’s true ability since his move to Stamford Bridge, so it’s interesting to recall what Kevin De Bruyne said about him a few years ago.
Romeo Lavia, who had a spell in the Manchester City academy, is a deep-lying midfield playmaker.
In 2022, the Belgian completed a move to Southampton, where his reputation soared because of a strong year at St Mary’s. Afterwards, Chelsea were convinced to buy him in the 2023 summer transfer window.
The fact he’s only made 25 appearances across all competitions for the Blues highlights how tough it’s been for him.
Lavia did play against Liverpool before the international break as he returns to fitness. Hopefully, he can get an extended run in the side without any interruptions because he’s proven in glimpses he’s capable of an elite level.
Jason Cundy loves the relationship between Lavia and Caicedo in the centre of the park, but we’ve just not seen it enough across the past couple of years.
What Kevin De Bruyne said about Romeo Lavia a few years ago
Back in 2021, Kevin De Bruyne spoke about Lavia when the duo were both at Manchester City.
Of course, De Bruyne was still shining in the first team at the Etihad Stadium, while Lavia was coming through the academy system in Manchester. Even then, he made the fascinating prediction that his fellow Belgian could develop into a top player in the future.
De Bruyne said via Play Sports in November 2021: “He’s [Lavia] very good. He’s been training with us [the Man City first-team] since the end of last year [2021]. If he continues his development, I think he’ll be a top player.”
Lavia has proven in some high-profile games he can dictate play as a defensive midfielder, plus he’s got the intelligence and tenacity to break up play. But if he can’t stay fit, it matters very little.
Back in May, Cole Palmer backed Lavia by insisting that it’s only a matter of time before he’s recognised as one of the world’s best in his position.
Romeo Lavia starts in Chelsea’s best XI
If he’s fit and firing, Lavia would play his way into Chelsea’s strongest line-up.
The press-resistant midfielder has all the tools to be dominant in his position. Like Blues captain, Reece James he just needs a slice more luck with his injuries.
Roberto Martinez enjoyed Lavia and Caicedo together in Chelsea’s midfield during the summer’s Club World Cup. On paper, it’s the perfect mix to dictate a contest, both on and off the ball.
The Lavia-Caicedo axis allows Enzo Fernandez to play a little higher as a genuine attacking midfielder, but head coach Enzo Maresca has some tricky decisions to make if everyone is fit.
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