Chelsea secured their first win of pre-season within the early hours of this morning, beating Mexican facet CF America 3-0 within the USA.
Targets from Christopher Nkunku, Marc Guiu and Noni Madueke settled the sport for Enzo Maresca’s facet – who received his first sport in cost on the third try after a draw and a defeat in opposition to Wrexham and Celtic, respectively.
The Blues claimed the win with out midfielder Conor Gallagher, who seems to be edging ever nearer to a transfer to hitch Spanish facet Atlético Madrid after journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed he had rejected a new deal at Stamford Bridge.
The potential deal may see the Blues safe a £34m transfer fee for the 24-year-old who got here by way of the academy after becoming a member of the membership on the age of eight.
Nonetheless, they have already got a ready-made alternative for the English worldwide, after his wonderful show for the Blues within the pre-season in the course of the early hours of the morning.
Roméo Lavia’s stats in opposition to CF America
After becoming a member of Chelsea from Southampton for £58m last summer, midfielder Roméo Lavia endured an terrible run of accidents throughout his debut season in west London, making just one appearance – that includes for a complete of 32 minutes.
Nonetheless, he’s lately been on the comeback path, working his method in the direction of a first-team return, probably having the influence of a brand new signing given his lack of minutes final season.
His show on Thursday morning demonstrated the standard he possesses, probably having a big impact at Stamford Bridge in the course of the 2024/25 marketing campaign.
The Belgian featured for 63 minutes in the course of the victory, completing 32 passes at a completion fee of 91% – solely shedding possession six occasions throughout his time on the pitch.
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Roméo Lavia’s stats in opposition to CF America |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics |
Tally |
|
Minutes performed |
63 |
|
Touches |
48 |
|
Go accuracy |
32/35 (91%) |
|
Penalties received |
1 |
|
Duels received |
5/10 (50%) |
|
Fouls received |
3 |
|
Tackles received |
2 |
|
Stats through SofaScore |
|
He additionally made a key contribution in attacking areas, profitable a penalty earlier than Frenchman Nkunku stepped as much as rating his third aim of pre-season for the Blues.
Lavia excelled defensively, profitable two tackles and five duels throughout his hour efficiency – staking his declare for an everyday first-team spot beneath Maresca this season.
He was subsequently handed a 7.5/10 match rating by journalist Bobby Vincent – with Ben Jacobs stating that the previous Southampton appeared “sharp” throughout his first outing in the course of the tour of the US.
His show could have Chelsea followers a motive to be optimistic, with the teenager lastly capable of hit the bottom operating after a torrid time on the sidelines, additionally permitting them to neglect about Gallagher ought to he transfer to Spain this summer time.
Why Lavia may enable Maresca to neglect about Gallagher
After the information of Gallagher’s contract rejection, it’s clear he needs a brand new begin away from his boyhood membership, with a transfer to Atléti anticipated to be accomplished within the subsequent few days.
He was a vital participant beneath former boss Mauricio Pochettino final season, that includes in 37 of the 38 Premier League matches, registering 12 aim contributions within the course of.
The Englishman would depart an enormous gap within the Chelsea midfield, however Lavia’s show in opposition to CF America may enable for a simple transition between the 2 gamers on the coronary heart of Maresca’s squad.
He’s beforehand proven his potential to thrive within the Premier League, as demonstrated throughout his time on the South Coast with Southampton – featuring 29 times within the 2022/23 season, which prompted the Blues’ need to spend massive on the Belgian.
Though it’s solely a pre-season conflict, he’s proven he has the standard to fit straight into the Chelsea midfield, stopping the membership from spending massive as soon as extra on one other expertise to bolster the squad.
Lavia has the power to offer Chelsea the benefit of their hunt for a Champions League place – while permitting him to develop his sport additional and show why the membership paid £58m for his companies.
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