‘Phenomenon’: Chelsea star backed for Ballon d’Or amid Rodri comparison

Young midfielder joined Blues for £53m in 2023

By Oli Gent · Standard

Published: Friday, 9 October 2026 at 8:21 PM

Key Things to Know

Hein Vanhaezebrouck believes Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia can contend for the Ballon d'Or if he remains injury-free.
Vanhaezebrouck compared Lavia's tempo control and possession retention to Manchester City's Rodri.
The 22-year-old featured in all four Nations League games for Belgium following starts under Xabi Alonso at Chelsea.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former Belgian manager Hein Vanhaezebrouck has backed Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia to compete for the Ballon d'Or in the future if he stays fit. Speaking to Het Nieuwsblad, Vanhaezebrouck labelled the 22-year-old Belgian international a "phenomenon" and compared his technical qualities, vision, and ball retention to Manchester City midfielder Rodri.

Lavia, who joined Chelsea from Southampton in 2023 for £53 million, has recently broken into Belgium's senior setup and started early fixtures under manager Xabi Alonso. Despite previous injury struggles, Vanhaezebrouck highlighted Lavia's exceptional balance and scanning ability as qualities of a potential world-class midfielder.

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‘Phenomenon’: Chelsea star backed for Ballon d’Or amid Rodri comparison

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