Lavia's ability not in question - but his fitness is

Chelsea have learned how to get by without midfielder Romeo Lavia but, against Liverpool, they were also reminded that they are better with him.

The 21-year-old did not misplace any of his 23 passes during his 78 minutes on the pitch in the 3-1 win at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

When Lavia came off, the away supporters chanted "you could have won the league" and "you could have signed for the champions".

It was perhaps a sign of respect from a fanbase to be critical of the £53m former Southampton man they missed out on in 2023.

The Belgian proved press resistant and is handy at picking up the ball from defenders and shuffling it through the lines.

His sheer presence seems to have given Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez a lift since he returned against Everton last weekend. It also took some of the pressure off Chelsea's newly crowned player of the season, Moises Caicedo.

The only issue with Lavia - and everyone knows it - is his fitness. His inability to play two matches a week has led to him not be registered for the Conference League.

However, even here there is light at the end of the tunnel as he has played 741 minutes this season, well above the 32 he managed in 2023-24 - but without completing a full match during his two years at Chelsea.

Lavia will be carefully managed but Enzo Maresca is understood to be optimistic that the midfielder's fitness record will continue to improve.

As for the jibes by Liverpool fans, Lavia appeared to lap them up because, as a kid who grew up supporting Chelsea, he enjoys being part of this newly rebuilt squad.