Roméo Lavia on the other side of the poster that changed his career: “I can still go further”

Having become the youngest Belgian scorer in the Premier League, the player who had just left Manchester City was added that day to the top of the wish list of Chelsea management who even wanted to buy him straight away. “A dream come true”exclaimed Lavia who received a shower of praise after this goal. “He’s been superb in the Saints jersey and I think he’s going to be an absolute star.”for example launched the former Blue Scott Minto on talkSport.

If this poster – combined with his other excellent performances – clearly contributed to his transfer to London twelve months later (for €62 million), it also marked the start of his physical problems. After an hour of play, the former Anderlecht player had to leave the pitch. Verdict: a torn ischio and two months of absence. A first in his young career, but a first which unfortunately led to a series of relapses. Particularly after his arrival at Chelsea.

Working in the shadows to come back into the light: this is how Roméo Lavia prepared for his big return with Chelsea

But today, after 47 missed matches and intense summer preparation, Roméo Lavia is finally able to play one match after another. “His career will still be marked by injuries because it’s part of a player’s life and it’s normal, but he’s doing well at the moment, he’s in good shape. Romeo is very young, he is 20 years old and therefore he must also continue to work hard”thinks his coach Enzo Maresca who, despite a small scare during his return to the Devils in November, was able to count on his defensive midfielder during the last six Premier League matches.

Lavia faced Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester United and Arsenal in turn, in addition to Manchester City at the very start of the season. “It’s crazy, but after a year away, the only games I played were against probably the best teams in the leaguehe quipped in the podcast Stadium Astroin mid-November. It’s part of the process, but you definitely haven’t seen the best version of me yet. I can go even further.”

Against Manchester United, Roméo Lavia once again showed why Enzo Maresca prefers him to Enzo Fernandez: Chelsea found their pair in the middle

In Maresca’s 4-2-3-1, it was his association with Moises Caicedo that greatly helped the Blues compete with all these opponents. The midfield double pivot brings essential balance to the team, with defensive solidity and significant projection capacity. “I try to help the defensive line as much as I can. Then most of the games are played in midfield, so it’s just about being strong and with the ball, making the work of the teammates in front easier, putting them in the best situation.”

Not registered on the roster for the Conference League”so as not to overload it.”Roméo Lavia once again proved on Sunday against Youri Tielemans and Aston Villa (3-0) that this little special treatment had allowed him to reach a very high level. This time forming a trio with Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, who brings his offensive creativity. If we add the class of Cole Palmer, the speed of Jadon Sancho, the versatility of Christopher Nkunku and the finishing of Nicolas Jackson, this gives the current 3rd place in the championship. For Lavia, all that remains now is to avoid injuries and start dreaming big.