The Belgian produced an influential performance in Chelsea’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, helping the Blues take control after the interval.
Lavia won possession in midfield before feeding Morgan Rogers, who drove forward and lifted a superb finish over goalkeeper Senne Lammens to open the scoring. Cole Palmer later converted a penalty to secure the points.
Palmer was particularly impressed by his team-mate, describing the display as one of the best he had seen from him.
“Today was one of the best games I've seen him play,” Palmer said.
“I've said all along he's one of my favourite midfielders, and people still don't realise how good he is.
“Obviously he's had his injury problems, but he's trying to put that behind him now and put in performances like today. I thought he was the best player on the pitch.”
Lavia’s performance was another encouraging sign after an injury-disrupted period at Stamford Bridge. The 22-year-old has been working to establish consistency and build the fitness required to play regularly.
He also enjoyed a special moment after the final whistle, when former Chelsea forward Eden Hazard was waiting to greet the players outside the tunnel.
Hazard, who made his name at Stamford Bridge and wore the club’s No.10 shirt, was particularly pleased to meet Palmer, as well as Belgian compatriots Lavia and goalkeeper Mike Penders.
For Lavia, the meeting with a player he greatly admires was a source of encouragement.
“He’s a very important figure for me,” he said. “We speak quite a lot. It was good to see him out here, and I could see in his eyes he was happy for me and proud. It gives me that extra motivation.”
The midfielder has made encouraging progress this season, returning to the Belgium national team and featuring in every Chelsea Premier League matchday squad so far.
He also completed two full 90-minute appearances in the space of four days, against Liverpool and Manchester United, underlining the importance of maintaining his fitness as well as his form.
Lavia is determined to keep improving rather than regard the recent performances as a finished product.
“As long as I feel good, I will do everything possible to help the team get results. I’m feeling good, so I am very happy with my performance,” he said.
“I’m still young and there are a lot of areas I can improve. We try to tick them off during the week. It’s a process.
“All I can say is the work we are doing with all the people at the club is going well so far. It’s just about keeping it going and hopefully we can continue this way.”