Zinedine Zidane hails Romeo Lavia after impressive Nations League display
Zinedine Zidane praised Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia's quality following his spectacular assist for Belgium against France in the Nations League.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: Ank kumar
Zinedine Zidane has shared his admiration for Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia following France's Nations League victory over Belgium. While the French side eventually secured the win, Lavia's creative vision was a standout moment, most notably his spectacular assist for Dodi Lukebakio’s opening goal.
I didn’t watch his individual performance because I was keeping an eye on my own players, but I really liked his pass. I watched it again in the changing room at half-time, during the analysis. He’s a quality player. Zinedine Zidane
This performance marks a significant step in Lavia's resurgence. Since his £53 million move from Southampton in 2023, the midfielder has struggled with recurring injuries, limiting his impact during his first seasons at Stamford Bridge. However, having featured in four of Chelsea's opening five league matches this term, he is finally demonstrating the consistency expected of him.
For Chelsea, Lavia's return to form arrives at a pivotal time. As the club looks to climb from 10th in the Premier League table, his ability to control the midfield will be crucial. The Blues host Bournemouth this Saturday, and a fully fit Lavia could be the catalyst needed to build momentum following the international break.