Chelsea secured their first win of pre-season within the early hours of this morning, beating Mexican aspect CF America 3-0 within the USA.
Objectives from Christopher Nkunku, Marc Guiu and Noni Madueke settled the sport for Enzo Maresca’s aspect – who received his first recreation in cost on the third try after a draw and a defeat towards 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 affix Spanish aspect Atlético Madrid after journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed he had rejected a brand new deal at Stamford Bridge.
The potential deal might see the Blues safe a £34m switch payment 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.
Nevertheless, 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 towards CF America
After becoming a member of Chelsea from Southampton for £58m final summer time, midfielder Roméo Lavia endured an terrible run of accidents throughout his debut season in west London, making only one look – that includes for a complete of 32 minutes.
Nevertheless, he’s lately been on the comeback path, working his manner in direction of a first-team return, doubtlessly 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, doubtlessly having a huge effect at Stamford Bridge in the course of the 2024/25 marketing campaign.
The Belgian featured for 63 minutes in the course of the victory, finishing 32 passes at a completion charge of 91% – solely shedding possession six instances throughout his time on the pitch.
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Roméo Lavia’s stats towards CF America |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics |
Tally |
|
Minutes performed |
63 |
|
Touches |
48 |
|
Cross 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, successful a penalty earlier than Frenchman Nkunku stepped as much as rating his third objective of pre-season for the Blues.
Lavia excelled defensively, successful two tackles and 5 duels throughout his hour efficiency – staking his declare for a daily first-team spot underneath Maresca this season.
He was subsequently handed a 7.5/10 match ranking 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 purpose to be optimistic, with the teen lastly in a position to hit the bottom working after a torrid time on the sidelines, additionally permitting them to overlook about Gallagher ought to he transfer to Spain this summer time.
Why Lavia might enable Maresca to overlook about Gallagher
After the information of Gallagher’s contract rejection, it’s clear he desires 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 underneath former boss Mauricio Pochettino final season, that includes in 37 of the 38 Premier League matches, registering 12 objective contributions within the course of.
The Englishman would go away an enormous gap within the Chelsea midfield, however Lavia’s show towards CF America might enable for a straightforward 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 – that includes 29 instances within the 2022/23 season, which prompted the Blues’ need to spend huge 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 huge as soon as extra on one other expertise to bolster the squad.
Lavia has the power to present Chelsea the benefit of their hunt for a Champions League place – while permitting him to develop his recreation additional and show why the membership paid £58m for his companies.
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