Soccer Football - Premier League - Tottenham Hotspur v Southampton - Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, Britain - August 6, 2022 Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane in action with Southampton's Romeo Lavia Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia has attracted praise from members of the media following his display against Tottenham this afternoon.
The Lowdown: Afternoon to forget…
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s opening game of the Premier League season was one to forget as the Saints were well and truly put to the sword by Spurs in north London.
James Ward-Prowse had given the away side a shock lead early on but for Antonio Conte’s side to fight back in rip-roaring fashion with goals from Ryan Sessegnon, Eric Dier, Mohammed Salisu (OG) and Dejan Kulusevski eventually sealing a comfortable win.
League debuts were in full supply for summer signings Gavin Bazanu, Joe Aribo and Lavia and it is one the trio will be looking to put behind them.
However, in Lavia’s case, the ex-Man City starlet actually appeared to stand out as one of Hasenhuttl’s shining lights.
The Latest: Lavia praised…
Taking to Twitter, various members of the media lavished him with praise, explaining:
“Romeo Lavia has so much composure and discipline. Not afraid to take touches in his own box with Harry Kane and Dejan Kulusevski circling. Also always found just at the base of that midfield, giving JWP and Oriol Romeu license to roam. Hard to believe he’s 18.” – Alfie House, Daily Echo
“One team comfortable in its shape, another still getting to grips with it. Djenepo being targeted, understandably. Lavia impressive.” – Lewis Coombes, BBC.
“Lavia looks brilliant on PL debut at just 18.” – Dan Hargraves, Reach PLC.
The Verdict: Big future…
Having drawn comparisons to City legend Fernandinho, it’s clear the teenager has the world at his feet if he can keep developing.
A top flight debut away to Tottenham is by no means an easy introduction to the life of a senior footballer and Saints fans can expect more to come from the Belgian.
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