Romeo Lavia arguably produced his best performance in a Chelsea shirt since joining the club from Man City back in 2023. His Chelsea stint has often led to fans suggesting he needs a move.

But the way he played on Saturday was proof that Chelsea have got it right when it comes to Lavia. The Belgium midfielder, who caught the eye of Zinedine Zidane last month, was absolutely sensational.

Lavia clocked up a whopping 23 defensive contributions on Saturday. Next-best was 11. That is mercurial levels of influence from the middle of the park, but he contributed in attack too, getting an assist.

Lavia has impressed in other games, too. Cole Palmer even thinks he is “one of the best in the world”, and he proved that during Saturday’s win. Hopefully for Chelsea and Alonso, his form gets more consistent.

Chelsea players immediately recognise Lavia’s impact in goal

Rogers’ goal only came because of the dogged, determined Lavia in the middle of the park. The £58m signing dispossesses Bryan Mbeumo, but isn’t done there. He gets up to poke the ball to Rogers.

Alonso now has a selection headache, and he must get it right

Lavia was perfection on Saturday. The only thing he could have possibly done better would have been to score. Otherwise, it was a 10/10 performance, but he wouldn’t have started if Jordan Henderson was fit.

The veteran only missed out due to illness, and now, with Sunderland away next up before the break, the boss has a selection headache on his hands. Caicedo, obviously, starts for Chelsea, come rain or shine.

But who goes next to him? Henderson has been consistent since coming into the side, often topping the running charts at 36. But Lavia’s performance on Saturday was majestic. It is a tough decision to make.

One Alonso will be delighted to have, though. It will be after the break that Chelsea fans get to see their side in full flow again, when Joao Pedro, Emi Martinez, Reece James and Maxence Lacroix all return.