Several Chelsea players delivered excellent performances against Manchester United, including Morgan Rogers, Estevao Willian and Mike Penders. However, Romeo Lavia was a cut above not only his Chelsea teammates but also every Man Utd player.

Every Blues supporter will tell you Lavia has always been a quality player who has been so unfortunate with injuries. We may finally be seeing the best of the former Southampton midfielder as he has played 90 minutes in two consecutive games.

The Chelsea Chronicle looks at the statistics from Chelsea vs Man Utd that show why Lavia was the best player on the pitch at Stamford Bridge. The 22-year-old stood out in one key category by a significant margin.

Romeo Lavia’s defensive numbers stood out against Man Utd

Romeo Lavia’s outstanding performance against Manchester United showed exactly why he can be so important to Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea. The midfielder outshone his world-class midfield partner, Moises Caicedo, and all three of United’s midfielders.

Lavia covered every blade of grass while making a huge contribution both defensively and in possession. He recorded 23 defensive contributions in total, more than twice as many as the next-best players, Amad Diallo and Cole Palmer (10 each). His five tackles were the most of any player, while his four interceptions and one block were also among the highest totals on the pitch.

The Belgium international was equally impressive in possession, completing 64 passes, the second-highest total in the match, and recording 11 line-breaking passes, more than anyone else. He also played a key role in Chelsea’s opener, dispossessing Bryan Mbeumo in the centre of the pitch before finding Morgan Rogers, who went on to score a superb goal.

Jordan Henderson’s absence through illness meant Lavia had extra responsibility in midfield, but he rose to the occasion. After completing 90 minutes in back-to-back games for the first time in over three years, he is beginning to show the consistency Chelsea have desperately needed from him.