When the team news came out showing Chelsea’s line-up against Liverpool, one name dominated all the reaction: the shock selection of Reece James after months out injured was understandably the focus for most people.
But during the first half, there was another player who was a notable new selection who dominated proceedings. Romeo Lavia hasn’t started a game since the opening day of the season – and in fact has started only one game ever for Chelsea since signing in the summer of 2023, but he came in today and was brilliant right from the outset.
In the opening moments, his team tried to set the tone by calmly playing out from the back through Liverpool’s urgent press. It was all a little too close for comfort as Lavia got the ball from Levi Colwill surrounded by opposition players not far outside his own box, but the Belgian dropped his shoulder and turned gracefully out of trouble.
It gave the whole team a boost in confidence, set the tone, and brought in a great first half spell of dominance on the ball from Chelsea, which lasted until they gave away the penalty to give Liverpool the lead.
Enzo feeling the pressure of impressive Lavia showing
There are now really big question marks about Enzo Fernandez, who was left out today after his exertions for the Argentina national team. He’s just not been able to find a spot in this Enzo Maresca team yet, and Lavia seems to offer so much more alongside Moises Caicedo in the middle.
Enzo will always get playing time – his price tag guarantees it – but at this rate, Lavia simply can’t be left out. We could yet see all three central midfielders used together – but then where do you get Cole Palmer in?
Nice problems to have for Maresca.
