Roméo Lavia wins over the Red Devils, midfield maestro under van Bommel
In the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, midfielder Roméo Lavia shone during the Belgium‑France match of the UEFA Nations League on 28 September 2026, receiving a rating of 8 out of 10 and generating enthusiasm among all the Red Devils.
Mark van Bommel did not say much about Roméo Lavia, but he judged the performance “fantastic” by awarding him an 8 out of 10. This assessment was echoed by the columns of Les Sports and by other football observers. The midfielder thus got everyone on the same page.
A past at Anderlecht
Romain Van der Pluym, Anderlecht and Red Devils specialist, recalls that Lavia spent several years in the club's youth academy. He shared the pitch with Nathan Ngoy during six matches under the U19 banner, before moving up to the senior team. In official reports, the player sometimes appears under the name Romeo.
The Lille defender said: “We know each other very well, he’s a magnificent footballer, an intelligent player. It’s a delight to play with him, with Raskin and with everyone.” Youri Tielemans, captain of the Red Devils, highlighted that the midfielder provides the creativity sought against France in the UEFA Nations League, representing Belgium. The match, played in Brussels, confirmed the young midfielder’s impact on the Belgian collective.
Belgium coach praises Roméo Lavia after loss to France
Praise from his teammates
Injuries have limited Lavia’s appearances since 13 May 2023, when he played 90 minutes against Southampton and Fulham in Brussels, BELGIUM. Two months earlier, he had come on during the last ten minutes of the 2‑3 victory in Germany, before injuring his leg after 82 minutes. “It was just cramps, not an injury,” he explained, adding that “I am in a process.” Photo by Nico Vereecken / PhotoNews.
Mark van Bommel indicated that he will not be able to start Lavia against Turkey on Friday, in September, while the player is currently at Chelsea. He clarified that the midfielder will not be able to begin the match on 28 SEPTEMBER in Brussels, but that he will be present at the Stade de France on Monday evening. This decision is part of managing the player’s game time within English football.
Roméo Lavia said: “The past few years have not been easy, but I don’t want to talk about the past. I look forward, I feel good, I see the positive.” His optimism reassures the Red Devils who see in him a source of pride for the future of Belgian football.