Romeo Lavia shines for Belgium, but alarm bells will be ringing at Chelsea
Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia dominated for large portions of Belgium’s eventual defeat against France, although his performance is not all good news.
Lavia picked up a glorious assist for Dodi Lukebakio in the first half of their Nations League match, before a late France flurry stunned them.
Belgian fans loved what they saw from Lavia, as the Chelsea man continued to make the most of the opportunities he has had in the early stages of this season.
Romeo Lavia’s Belgium usage is a worry for Chelsea
It was actually Lavia’s second start of the international break against France, while he also made appearances off the bench in their other two games against Turkey and Italy.
In total, he played 227 minutes for his country, just less than the amount he has managed over a longer period since the domestic campaign began, which will be setting off alarm bells at Stamford Bridge. Everyone is well aware of Lavia’s consistent fitness problems.
It is at the point where he is still yet to complete 90 minutes for Chelsea since joining them, which is far from ideal when taking into account the other injury concerns at the club.
Moises Caicedo is yet to start a game this season for Chelsea, and is still a doubt for their next game against Bournemouth when the international break comes to an end, likely putting Lavia in line to start again.
This comes with immense risk due to his usage for his country, but ultimately Xabi Alonso hasn’t been left with much choice.
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Lavia proves his quality for Belgium
Despite playing more minutes for his country than Chelsea would have liked, there is no doubting he used that time on the pitch wisely over the last couple of weeks, especially last night against France.
He made four tackles and six recoveries in the heart of midfield, as well as making two interceptions and one block.
Lavia was also very tidy in possession, completing 89% of his passes and creating a big chance which saw him register a first assist for his nation.
This all came in a midfield battle against Manu Kone, who remains a target of the Blues after they saw an attempt to sign him in the summer fail.
However, every positive Lavia display needs to be taken with the caveat that he may cause himself some long-lasting trouble, and Chelsea will have to be cautious with him upon his return to West London.
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