Alonso praises Lavia as 'a brain for the team' at Chelsea

Xabi Alonso has highlighted the growing importance of Romeo Lavia to Chelsea, pointing to the midfielder's recent development while saying there is still more to come.

Lavia was excellent in Chelsea's previous two matches, against Liverpool and Manchester United, and completed the full 90 minutes in both. The club said this reinforced the belief that Lavia is establishing himself as a key controller in the heart of the midfield, and that consistency and rhythm will help the team.

Alonso said: 'I always have the feeling that every time the midfield area works, the team works better.'

'Romeo is in a very good place, not just the last game. I think that for the last month he's been very consistent in his performance.

'He's been very important for the team because in the middle you need to have a brain for yourself, but a brain for the team. He's good with the ball, he's giving balance, and he's connecting really well with the players around him.

'It's not rocket science to know that once you have good midfielders, the team normally looks better.'

Despite Lavia's eye-catching displays, Alonso has made clear he will continue to demand higher standards from the Belgian international to ensure he reaches his ceiling.

Alonso said: 'We need to push him. We need to help him continue so he can take the next step, because it's not enough yet.'

Asked whether Lavia is doing anything differently, Alonso added: 'There's been a change, and he knows that. He has realised that's the way.'