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Chelsea ace Cole Palmer has backed Blues star Romeo Lavia to cement himself as one of the best midfielders in the world in the future.
During a recent interaction with Sky Sports, Palmer was asked to provide his honest opinion on Lavia. The former Manchester City star replied (h/t Metro):
"I think he's one of the best midfielders I've played with, to be honest. Everyone hasn't seen it because he's been injured, obviously I knew him at Manchester City. I think everyone will realise, I think he will be one of the best midfielders in the world."
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Palmer, who played twice alongside Lavia at Manchester City, added:
"He's been injured, hasn't he? So it's been difficult for him. But I think the games he has played this season you see what difference he's made. I think when he has a full season playing and staying fit, I think everyone will realise."
Lavia, 21, left Southampton to join his outfit in a potential £58 million deal in the summer of 2023. However, he featured in just one game across all competitions for the Blues in the 2023-24 season owing to an ankle and a hamstring issue.
So far this term, Lavia has struggled with a hamstring and a thigh injury. However, the Belgian midfielder has managed to make 16 appearances across competitions for Chelsea in the ongoing 2024-25 campaign.
Chelsea head coach slammed by Ian Wright
Past Sunday (May 11), Chelsea slumped to a 2-0 Premier League defeat at Newcastle United. Blues head coach Enzo Maresca started defensive midfielder Moises Caicedo at right-back at St. James' Park.
Opining on Maresca's team selection choice, Arsenal legend Ian Wright said in a recent episode of The Kelly & Wrighty Show (h/t Metro):
"It is crazy when you look at who Enzo Maresca has got on the bench and he's still [playing Caicedo at right-back]. Teams are going to attack him all the time. Whatever he's saying about getting into midfield and controlling it, you've got to get control of the game."
Wright, who is a one-time Premier League winner, concluded:
"It all comes down to the manager. Unless something has happened with Reece James and Malo Gusto, I don't know what's happened. That, for me, is unacceptable. He's making decisions that are very worrying, especially in that particular incident."
Caicedo, 23, has made 42 overall appearances for Chelsea this season.
On the other hand, Chelsea captain Reece James has played in only 24 matches across competitions for his outfit this season. He has started 16 of his appearances so far this term.
