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Belgium coach Van Bommel backs Lavia to succeed at Chelsea "or elsewhere"

·By Paul Vegas
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Belgium coach Van Bommel backs Lavia to succeed at Chelsea "or elsewhere"

Chelsea/X.com

Romeo Lavia has earned an endorsement from Belgium boss Mark van Bommel, who believes the Chelsea midfielder can succeed at Stamford Bridge or become a top player elsewhere.

Lavia made a major impression during Belgium’s recent Nations League campaign, featuring in all four matches and starting both encounters with France.

The 22-year-old played 85 minutes in the first meeting and 87 in the return fixture at the Stade de France, where Belgium eventually suffered a 4-1 defeat.

Despite the result, Lavia produced one of the standout moments of the match when he released Dodi Lukebakio with a superb pass from deep inside Belgium’s half.

His ball cut through France’s high press and split seven players before Lukebakio raced through to score, giving Belgium an early lead.

Van Bommel was particularly impressed by the midfielder’s display and believes Lavia is developing into an elite player.

“Romeo played another great game. At this age, he is much better than me,” Van Bommel said.

“We should be happy that we have him. He is a top player in the making. If he doesn't succeed at Chelsea, then certainly somewhere else.”

Lukebakio also praised his understanding with Lavia, saying the pair had developed a connection that helped create the goal.

“I know his qualities. He is a great player, and I am happy for him that he is playing at this level again,” Lukebakio said.

Lavia’s own assessment was equally positive, particularly after enjoying an injury-free start to life under new Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso.

“I saw Dodi make a good run, and I took the risk to play the ball, which worked out. It was a beautiful goal,” he said.

The midfielder later revealed how much better he feels physically and mentally after a difficult period with injuries.

“It’s been a very long time since I’ve felt this good, physically and mentally. I’m delighted. There’s a lot of hard work behind it. It’s a rebirth.”

France coach Zinedine Zidane also highlighted the quality of Lavia’s pass after reviewing the move at half-time.

“I really liked his pass,” Zidane said. “I watched it again in the changing room at half-time, during the analysis. He’s a quality player.”

Lavia will now hope to carry that international form into Chelsea’s season as he looks to establish himself under Alonso and remain fit.