Cole Palmer tips forgotten Chelsea star who hasn’t played all season to blow fans away when he finally returns
COLE PALMER has tipped Romeo Lavia to blow fans away when he returns after a horror debut season at Chelsea.
The midfielder moved to Stamford Bridge from Southampton for £58million last summer.
But the 20-year-old played just once as he suffered muscle, ankle and thigh injuries.
Nearly a year on from his transfer, Blues supporters remain in the dark over Lavia’s talent and skillset.
And they are hoping he can finally make a big impact in the new campaign with Enzo Maresca at the helm.
One man who is tipping Lavia to become a key part of the Chelsea team is Young Player of the Season Palmer.
The 22-year-old played alongside Lavia in Man City’s youth team.
And they were also coached by incoming boss Maresca while winning the PL2 title.
Palmer is now Chelsea’s key player after his first season in west London.
But he reckons Lavia can make a similar impact when he returns to full fitness, claiming the Belgian has everything needed to succeed.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
Meet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo Maresca
ENZO MARESCA is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.
Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.
His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.
He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.
His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.
Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.
He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.
He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.
Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.
He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”
During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi.
Palmer told SportBible: “One person I’ve played with [who’s good] is Rome Lavia.
“We’ve not seen him this season because he’s been injured for a full year.
“But I think he’s on that, when he gets playing, everyone will think ‘he’s really good’.”
Palmer has also opened up over his Euro ambitions this summer.
In just one year, he has gone from an U21 regular to potentially starting for England’s senior side at a major tournament.
And Palmer hopes to get the chance to impress Gareth Southgate during the current training camp.
He added: “I want to go to the Euros and be part of the squad. I would not have imagined [being in the running this time last year].
“You’re sat there with all the other lads and a manager saying ‘the aim is to get into the senior squad’.
“But you’re looking at the squad thinking ‘there are so many players [ahead of me].’
“I have never doubted my ability but there were a lot of factors that contributed [to being in contention]. So I have surprised myself.”
SUNSPORT'S TRANSFER NEWS LIVE
STAY in the know this summer with The Sun's transfer experts.
Chelsea have been given permission from Leicester to speak to Enzo Maresca.
Liverpool and Chelsea are eyeing a summer move for Crysencio Summerville.
Premier League clubs are targeting Tosin Adarabioyo, who will be a free agent when his Fulham contract expires next month.
Follow our LIVE TRANSFER BLOG for all the latest deals, gossip and exclusives.