Romeo Lavia Earns High Praise from Maresca and Neville After Stellar Display vs Liverpool

After a season riddled with injury setbacks, Romeo Lavia made a thunderous return to Chelsea’s starting lineup — and in doing so, earned glowing praise from both his manager Enzo Maresca and Manchester United legend Gary Neville.

The young Belgian midfielder played a key role in Chelsea’s impressive 3-1 win over Premier League champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. It was a game that not only showcased Chelsea’s potential under Maresca but also underlined what the Blues have been missing all season: a fit and firing Romeo Lavia.

Maresca didn’t mince words in his post-match interview:

“You can see that the team with Romeo in is a better team. Hopefully we can now keep him fit until the end [of the season],” he said.

Neville, speaking on Sky Sports, echoed the sentiment:

“I like Romeo Lavia a lot. He is a go-to player and he makes a big difference. They are a better team when he is in there.”
“If he can get a season under his belt, he can be Enzo Maresca’s number one midfield player.”

💬 Opinion: Chelsea’s Midfield Future Is Bright — If Lavia Stays Fit

Lavia’s return couldn’t have come at a better time. His composure, ball recovery, and vision in the middle of the park brought a sense of control Chelsea fans have been craving. Watching him glide past Liverpool’s pressing lines was a reminder of why the Blues fought hard to sign him.

Injuries have unfortunately shadowed much of his debut season in West London, but his class is undeniable. What Chelsea witnessed on Sunday was not just a great performance — it was a glimpse into the midfield future of the club.

For a team that has struggled to find consistency in midfield, Romeo Lavia is the missing puzzle piece — the heartbeat they’ve been searching for.

💙 With Maresca’s tactical system and Lavia’s raw quality, Chelsea might just have the foundation of something special.