How Chelsea will line up with Romeo Lavia

James Shearman

Updated: 18 Aug 2023 10:38 BST
3 min read

Chelsea have officially completed the signing of Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia for an initial £53m, with another £5m in potential add-ons.

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The Blues have beaten Liverpool to the Belgian's signature, with the Reds also agreeing a transfer fee with Southampton before Lavia opted to sign for the west London club.

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Like Moises Caicedo, the Belgium international decided to be a part of Mauricio Pochettino's youthful side over Jurgen Klopp's team.

It was previously thought that the Blues would only sign one of the two, with the other going to the Reds, but that is no longer the case, with both players now in the Chelsea squad.

So, how will Lavia fit into Chelsea's team in the 2023-24 season?

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How will Chelsea line up with Romeo Lavia

New signing Robert Sanchez is currently the first-choice goalkeeper, but Chelsea are going to sign another one this month, having let go of both Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy. It remains to be seen if he will remain Pochettino's preferred option between the sticks.

Newly-appointed captain Reece James and vice captain Ben Chilwell form one of the best full-back pairings in the Premier League, but James' recent injury lay-off will give Malo Gusto a chance. However, when James if fit, he will be first-choice.

Left-footed Levi Colwill, who excelled on loan at Brighton last season, will partner Thiago Silva in the centre of defence, with Axel Disasi, Trevoh Chalobah and Benoit Badiashile acting as very able back-ups.

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In order to accommodate Enzo Fernandez, Caicedo and Lavia into the team, Pochettino could play a 4-3-3 this season.

This would allow Fernandez to venture forward and fulfil his potential as one of the world's best 'number 8s'.

The wide areas of the front line are probably Chelsea's weakest area, with Mykhailo Mudryk and Raheem Sterling yet to find their feet at Stamford Bridge. However, the failed pursuit of Michael Olise means they are likely to be the starting wide pair.

Noni Madueke is also another option, although he hasn't played under Pochettino having been injured in pre-season.

Centre forward Nicolas Jackson was superb in pre-season and looked lively in the Blues' Premier League opener against Liverpool; as a result, he will lead the line for Chelsea.