Romeo Lavia’s first senior start for Belgium ended in heartbreak against France, but his individual performance was excellent.
The Chelsea midfielder showcased the blend of press-resistance, physical intensity and technical quality that has made him one of Europe’s most exciting young midfielders when fit.
Operating in a central midfield partnership with Youri Tielemans, Lavia anchored the Red Devils’ engine room with remarkable composure.
The 22-year-old looked assured, completing all 37 of his passes and dictating tempo from deep. He also contributed heavily defensively with six ground duels won and a crucial goal-line clearance.
For nearly the entire 85 minutes he was on the pitch, Lavia broke up attacks, covered immense ground and absorbed high-intensity pressure with poise.
Unfortunately for the hosts, his substitution helped shift the momentum, which culminated in Michael Olise snatching a dramatic 88th-minute winner to seal a 1-0 victory for France.
Post-match, a visibly frustrated Lavia brushed aside personal praise, stating that individual brilliance is ‘pointless‘ without the three points.
Despite this, the Belgian media were quick to rave about his performance, describing him as a ‘major discovery’ for the national team’s new era.
The narrative around Lavia was previously defined by what could have been rather than what was.
A series of cruel injury setbacks stalled the midfielder’s momentum, making his career a frustrating stop-start story.
However, if anyone needed a reminder of why the early hype was justified, they only had to watch his commanding display for Belgium against France.
