Romeo Lavia, the £58 million summer acquisition for Chelsea, finally made his debut in the team’s 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge, capping a six-month wait.
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After a lengthy legal battle with Liverpool over transfers, Lavia finally signed with the Blues from Southampton. Due to an ankle injury and fitness concerns from a short preseason with the Saints, his debut was postponed.
Romeo Lavia, 19, had to wait a few extra days to make his Chelsea debut after being selected on the bench in the team’s Christmas Eve loss to Wolves. When his name was called over the tannoy, the Stamford Bridge faithful applauded. Finally, the time had come.
Romeo Lavia replaced Ian Maatsen shortly before the hour mark, taking over Conor Gallagher’s position as defensive midfielder. Gallagher was able to advance up the pitch and take up his ideal position thanks to this tactical change. Lavia had an instant impact, relieving Chelsea of pressure in their own half after receiving a pass from Malo Gusto and drawing a foul from Jefferson Lerma.
Lavia’s subsequent involvement, meanwhile, was less fruitful as he clumsily fouled Michael Olise and then attempted an unsatisfactory pass upfield towards Mykhailo Mudryk, which led to a Crystal Palace throw-in along the left-hand touchline.
Lavia’s subsequent involvement, meanwhile, was less fruitful as he clumsily fouled Michael Olise and then attempted an unsatisfactory pass upfield towards Mykhailo Mudryk, which led to a Crystal Palace throw-in along the left-hand touchline.
Lavia made two saves away from goal and a strong tackle on Eagles forward Jean-Philippe Mateta to highlight his defensive performance.
Lavia did not play a major role in midfield, but he did his job well, displaying poise and skillfully slipping out of several tackles.
