Ex-Chelsea ace admits he's excited about the future of club's £58m man

09/07/2024 04:31 AM

Former Chelsea player Jason Cundy believes Romeo Lavia is going to be a top player and hasn't got an issue with him being left out of the squad for the league phase of the Europa Conference League.

Lavia arrived at Chelsea last summer from Southampton in deal reportedly worth up to £58m, but his debut season at Stamford Bridge was a complete nightmate.

The Belgian played just 33 minutes as injuries completely derailed his campaign and the midfielder feels like a new signing now that he's returned to action.

Cundy full of praise of Lavia

Having missed so much football, Lavia played a prominent role in pre-season and was one of Chelsea's most impressive performers as Enzo Maresca looked to build his fitness and match sharpness up.

The 20-year-old was brilliant against Manchester City in the opening game of the season, but after coming on as a late substitute in the first leg of the Conference League play-off against Servette he's not featured since due to a hamstring issue.

Chelsea hope Lavia will return for the game against Bournemouth after the international break, and he's also been left out of the squad for the league phase of the Conference League for load management reasons.

However, ex-Chelsea ace Cundy believes Lavia is going to be a top player and hasn't got an issue with him being left out of the squad.

"Lavia and Fofana between them last season didn't complete one game," he told talkSPORT.

"They are going to be an integral part of this team, Lavia looks like he's going to be a top player this kid.

"He's had injuries. I get it [leaving them out of the Conference League squad]. I haven't got a problem with it."

Lavia already looks like he's going to be a key player this season and without him teams have been able to get through the Chelsea midfield all too easily on occasions, which is something that needs to addressed as quickly as possible.