Xabi Alonso praises Romeo Lavia’s progress after his display against Manchester United

Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso said the club is beginning to see midfielder Romeo Lavia at his best after his condition improved and he overcame recurring injury problems. He made the comments after Lavia’s performance in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Manchester United.

Lavia, 22, played a full match for the second time in four days. His appearance against Liverpool in the English League Cup last week was his first full competitive match for Chelsea since joining from Southampton in 2023.

Alonso explained that Lavia is now stronger and more confident in his ability to handle more minutes and greater exertion, adding that the player went from completing a full match at Anfield to putting in a strong performance against Manchester United less than 72 hours later. He felt Lavia’s good mental state had helped him alongside his physical readiness.

Alonso described Lavia’s performance as top-class and said he had watched him produce his best form over the past three weeks. He highlighted Lavia’s role in linking defence and attack, switching the play and making decisions, as well as his energy and competitive spirit.