“Everybody’s not seen it” – Palmer names Chelsea team-mate he claims will be one of the world’s best | OneFootball

Cole Palmer has described Chelsea team-mate Romeo Lavia as one of the best midfielders he’s played with in his career so far.

Lavia arrived at Chelsea in the summer of 2023 from Southampton in a deal worth up to £58m, but his time at Chelsea has been plagued by injury.

The 21-year-old played just 30 minutes of football last season, and although he’s fared better this campaign he’s still only managed 16 appearances in all competitions, with 14 of those in the league.

Palmer praises Lavia

Lavia’s return from injury has been a huge boost for the Blues and has coincided with an upturn in form before the loss to Newcastle last weekend.

Enzo Maresca has praised Lavia this season, and Palmer has now named the Belgian as one of the best midfielders he’s played with.

Lavia has impressed when he’s played for Chelsea this season. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

“I think he’s one of the best midfielders I’ve played with, to be honest,” he told Sky Sports.

“Everybody’s not seen it because he’s been injured, but obviously I knew him at City, and I think everyone will realize it soon. Like, I think he will be one of the best midfielders in the world.”

Lavia’s physio has been bemused by his constant injury issues and it’s vital the midfielder gets on top of his injury issues.

When fit Lavia makes such a difference to how the Blues play, and they are a much better side when he’s in it, but he’s just not been in the team often enough.

Santos and Essugo to bolster Chelsea midfield

Midfield is arguably the strongest area of the squad with Lavia, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo already on the books.

However, that area is set to be bolstered by the arrivals of Andrey Santos and Dario Essugo this summer, with the duo in line to make their debut at the Club World Cup.

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Santos is set for a key role after excelling on loan at Strasbourg, whilst the Blues agreed a deal in March to sign Essugo from Sporting Lisbon.

Essugo is thought to be cover for Caicedo, whilst Santos will provide competition for Lavia, giving Chelsea some of the best midfield depth in the league.