- 21 hours ago
Why Maresca must DROP Fernandez in favour of Lavia
Jacque Talbot
- Updated: 4 Aug 2024 11:15 BST
- 5 min read
Pre-season is always a muddling affair. Is it merely a game that enables footballers to regain fitness and nothing more, or is it a true indication of what’s in store in the upcoming season?
The answer probably lies somewhere in the middle. But while the debate rages on, what can’t be denied is the impact that Romeo Lavia is likely to have for Chelsea in the forthcoming season.
The Belgian has played 32 minutes of football for the club in 50 weeks of being there. He joined from Southampton in a deal worth €62.1 million, snubbing interest from Liverpool and Newcastle at the time.
READ MORE: Conor Gallagher to leave Chelsea? Every word Enzo Maresca said on the subject
Chelsea’s summer window has been tumultuous. Despite their exuberant reputation when it comes to the transfer market, they only have a €11.5m net spend so far.
Indeed, much of the attention has been more on their treatment of homegrown players, with Trevoh Chalobah left out of the club's pre-season tour of the States and Conor Gallagher reportedly banished from the first-team altogether.
There’s been a change in management too. Mauricio Pochettino left, to most fans' disgruntlement, with his legacy intact, and Enzo Maresca joined in from Leicester City. Meanwhile, a previous record signing of the club, Enzo Fernandez, was caught up in controversy after he posted a video of him and his Argentina teammates singing a racist song on the team bus.
Current ETV
Roméo Lavia
DM, M (C)
Chelsea
Roméo Lavia
DM, M (C)
Chelsea
ETV Range
€17.5M - €29.2M
The friendlies have shown glimpses of some stability amid all this, but Chelsea still conceded ten goals in three games: a 2-2 draw with Wrexham, a 4-1 loss to Celtic, followed by a 4-2 defeat to Manchester City. Maresca has made it clear it will take time to implement his style, but of course, there is still a slight concern with the Premier League season two weeks away.
But, indeed, amid all this, one glowing aspect of the summer has been the emergence of Lavia. Maresca has played a variation of formations in preseason while the Italian changed systems midway through games at times.
Lavia has thrived in the double pivot when the defence featured two solid central defenders rather than a spaced-out three-man backline. He started in the 3-0 win against Mexican side Club America, with new signing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall poised alongside him.
Despite only playing 63 minutes, Lavia won the most duels of any player on the pitch, as well as boasting a 91% pass success rate. Lavia drew out to the flank on occasion to provide cover for Noni Madueke on the right side but mostly remained just behind the halfway line, protecting the four-man defence.
But the real encouragement stems from his display, this time a full 90 minutes, against Premier League champions Man City. Behind the attacking four he was partnered with Moises Caicedo, with the fullbacks pressed hard against the touchline when Chelsea were in possession.
How Romeo Lavia dominated against Man City
Against the Citizens, Lavia, again posted in the middle, acted as more than just a juggernaut whose role was to be press resistant and help in the initial build-up. He excelled across the park. Lavia often penetrated the final third, creating two chances. He won six tackles, made four interceptions, and two recoveries.
Astoundingly, for someone previously criticised for his inability to physically dominate, he won ten duels altogether. Even with opposition bearing down on him inside his own box, he was able to turn away and release a long ball to the flank where Chelsea broke. His assist to Madueke for Chelsea's final goal was of similar quality.
Maresca needs to implement his system and find his best players for midfield. He pushed Fernandez as a No.8 in the last game to mixed results. Caicedo still has time to shine though it’s been a poor showing from him in recent games.
In any case, Chelsea will have something to lean on, a rock in the middle in the form of Lavia, a 20-year-old multifaceted player to build the midfield around; and in him, there is just a big branch of stability that will help them going into the new season.4o
