Chelsea issue official verdict on €62m star finally proving his worth

Chelsea are finally beginning to see the best of Romeo Lavia after putting his injury problems behind him, according to manager Xabi Alonso.

Lavia joined the Blues from Southampton for €62million (£51m) in July 2023 but he has faced an uphill battle to stay fit at Stamford Bridge.

However, the 22-year-old has turned a corner this season, completing the full 90 minutes in recent clashes with Liverpool and Manchester United.

“We know Rom is feeling better, is feeling stronger, is feeling more confident to go with more minutes and with more load,” Alonso told Chelsea’s official website.

“He's gone from playing the whole game at Anfield to not even 72 hours later playing that way and with that energy [against United]. Sometimes the head is more important than the legs and now his head is in a good place.”

Lavia particularly caught the eye in the 2-0 Premier League win over United on Saturday, recording more defensive contributions (23) than any other player on the pitch.

The Belgium midfielder also registered his second career assist for Chelsea when teeing up the in-form Morgan Rogers in west London.

Alonso certainly knows a thing or two about midfielders, with the Spaniard regarded as one of the best in the world during his playing days.

And the Chelsea boss has heaped praise on Lavia’s display against United, saying: “It was a top performance. In the last three weeks, I've seen Romeo in top form.

“His game, from a midfielder's point of view, was very complete. He has done so many good things and I'm happy for him. He deserves huge recognition.

“He has done so many things right. He was always connecting the defence with the attacking players, he was able to switch the game, he has taken many right decisions, was very dynamic and competitive.

“Not just this game but in the last two or three weeks, he has been playing at a very good level and I'm very happy for him.”

Chelsea looking to make it four wins from five at Sunderland

Lavia will be looking to earn more praise from Alonso when Chelsea travel to bottom-placed Sunderland in the league on Sunday.

Alonso's charges are currently fourth in the Premier League having won three of their last four games in the top flight.

Meanwhile, Sunderland find themselves propping up the table having won just one of their nine league fixtures this season.