Cole Palmer has named Romeo Lavia as ‘the best player on the pitch’ in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Manchester United on Saturday.

After a goalless first half at Stamford Bridge, Morgan Rogers opened the scoring before Cole Palmer doubled Chelsea’s lead from the penalty spot.

United were also reduced to 10 men as VAR intervened to punish Lisandro Martinez for hitting Wesley Fofana with his forearm.

The 22-year-old was signed in a £53 million deal from Southampton in 2023 but has made just 53 appearances in three years due to multiple injuries, but Palmer believes his Chelsea teammate is one of the Premier League’s most underrated players.

‘Today was one of the best games I’ve seen him [Lavia] play,’ Palmer told BBC Sport after Chelsea’s win over United.

‘I’ve said all along he’s one of my favourite midfielders, people still don’t realise how good he is.

‘Obviously, he’s had his injury problems but he’s trying to put that behind him now and put in performances like today.

‘Today I thought he was the best player on the pitch.’

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When asked for his verdict on Lavia’s performance, Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso said: ‘From a midfielder point of view, for me it has been a top, top performance.

‘He’s done so many things right, he’s been always connecting the defence with the attacking players, he’s been able to switch the game, he’s taken many right decisions, he’s been very dynamic, competitive.

‘So I think that not just this game, for the last two, three weeks he’s been playing at a very good level and I’m very happy for him and today he deserves a huge recognition for his performance.’

Palmer, meanwhile, also praised Estevao for his performance on what was his first Premier League start for Chelsea this season.

‘Every time I got the ball I tried to give it to him to show what he can do because I know he’s been wanting to play, he’s been patient and he played well,’ Palmer said.

Alonso was also impressed with Estevao’s response after the 19-year-old was left on the bench for Chelsea’s penalty shootout defeat to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.

‘We spoke after Tottenham and he knew that he was going to be playing tonight, today,’ Alonso said.

‘He has had the best response to show that he deserves more, that he was prepared and that’s what you want from a football player, so I’m very happy for him.

‘He deserved to enjoy his game, he had a good connection with the crowd. He was really close to scoring that goal. At the end he fought really hard, he was tired and it has been a good day for him.’