Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia has experienced more than most by the age of 20.
At just 16, the Belgian left Anderlecht to join Manchester City in 2020, moving without his family due to the Covid pandemic. Two years later, with only two senior appearances for City, Lavia pushed for a transfer to Southampton, only to suffer relegation with them in 2023.
At 19, he became part of Chelsea‘s massive spending spree, joining as the 23rd player signed by the club’s new ownership that summer. However, after his £53 million move to Stamford Bridge, Lavia saw just 29 minutes of play under former manager Mauricio Pochettino, with injuries derailing his season.
“My mum never came to see any of my games at Man City,” Lavia recalled, reflecting on the limited first-team opportunities early in his career. “It shows how tough it was, but I never complained because I knew what I was getting into with every decision I’ve made.”
Despite the challenges, including a difficult first season at Chelsea marred by injuries, Lavia remained optimistic. “It was tough, but what can you do? You turn it into a positive,” he said.
Lavia, who has earned one cap for Belgium, admitted to feeling “frustrated” and “unfairness” over his setbacks at Chelsea, which included a serious ankle injury in training followed by a hamstring issue just as he was nearing a return.
“I’d say it was unlucky. I tried to recover every time, but my body let me down a few times,” he shared.
This pre-season, however, has given new head coach Enzo Maresca a chance to see Lavia’s true potential, ahead of their Premier League opener at home against champions Manchester City.
Only Christopher Nkunku, Reece James, Malo Gusto, and Levi Colwill played more minutes than Lavia during Chelsea’s U.S. tour, where he started all five games and contributed two assists. His pre-season performances have reminded everyone why Chelsea was so determined to sign him, even amid interest from Liverpool.
“I’d heard about Chelsea long before the deal was in motion,” Lavia revealed. “The interest from Liverpool was there, but in my mind, I wanted to play for Chelsea.”
Maresca is well aware of Lavia’s talent, having previously worked with him while coaching Manchester City’s elite development squad.
“I played alongside Rodri, Fernandinho, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva,” Lavia said. “These players could play in midfield and adapt to different positions if needed, and when you see that, you think, ‘Wow, that’s the level.’ They always worked hard and stayed focused.”
Like Cole Palmer and Jadon Sancho before him, Lavia left City in pursuit of regular first-team football.
“It wasn’t a hard decision because I felt ready to play,” he explained. “I had a good conversation with the manager [Pep Guardiola], and he was honest with me. He said, ‘You’re young, and you need to develop.’ I felt I could play, so it was about finding the best opportunities to reach that level as quickly as possible.”
Lavia now looks set to anchor Maresca’s midfield, with Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall likely to join him as more advanced midfield options.
“We’re building something amazing here,” Lavia said. “Everyone at the club feels it—not just the players, but everyone. Successful teams like Man City took years to get there. I’m not saying we need the same amount of time, but it’s going to take a while. We know it won’t happen in two weeks, but the confidence is there. When you look at all the teams, Chelsea is the one that’s growing. Even though the results might not be there yet, you can see the bigger picture.”
Nova88 stands out as the premier choice for online gambling enthusiasts, offering an unparalleled gaming experience that caters to both seasoned players and newcomers alike. By joining Nova88, members can take advantage of exclusive bonuses that elevate their gameplay and enhance their winning potential. With a vast array of games, secure transactions, and top-notch customer service, Nova88 ensures a thrilling and reliable environment for all its users. Don’t miss out on this opportunity—join Nova88 now and experience the best in online gambling.
