“One of the best midfielders” – Maresca praises his favourite who won 100% of aerial duels | OneFootball

Chelsea’s team sheet for today’s game had one really notable change from the side that’s been playing pretty regularly as Enzo Maresca’s first choice side in recent weeks – the return of Romeo Lavia.

After his latest medium term injury, the Belgian was fit to start for the first time since January, and he played in midfield alongside Enzo Fernandez, allowing Moises Caicedo to play as a right back out of possession. Speaking in the press conference after the game, Enzo Maresca was full of praise for one of his favourite players:

“I spent one entire season with Romeo when I was under-23 at City. So I know Romeo very well,” the manager said.

“For us it’s like Reece, they are both top players. The only shame for us is that unfortunately we need to manage them, we need to protect them. But no doubt that Chelsea with Reece and Romeo, it’s a better team”.

“Yeah, when he’s fit, he’s one of the best midfielders because he can defend very well, he can attack, he breaks the line, the pass between the lines, it’s unbelievable. He’s very good and hopefully we can have him until the end of the season.”

Lavia returns to boost Chelsea in final run

Romeo Lavia arrives at Craven Cottage. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Lavia was indeed very good today, and reminded us of what we’ve been missing. He won 6/10 of his duels, including 3/3 of his aerial duels, completed 87% of his passes, made a key pass, and won the tackle which led to our goal.

You can see why Maresca praises him as a complete player, capable in all phases.

It’s not just how Lavia plays either, it’s also the increased options his presence brings the team tactically, as we saw today with Moises Caicedo’s role change.