Zinedine Zidane singled out Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia as a 'quality player' after France's dramatic Nations League victory over Belgium. France scored four goals in the final 13 minutes to overturn a deficit and win 4-1 in Paris.
France's late comeback
Belgium led for nearly an hour after Dodi Lukebakio's first-half opener, but Lucas Da Cunha equalised in the 77th minute. Michael Olise put France ahead four minutes later, and Desire Doue added two goals in injury time to keep Les Bleus top of Nations League Group 1.
Lavia impressed in Belgium's midfield, providing the assist for Lukebakio's goal. Zidane, when asked about the assist, said: 'I didn't watch his individual performance because I was keeping an eye on my own players, but I really liked his pass. I watched it again in the changing room at half-time, during the analysis. He's a quality player. But he's not the only one in the Belgian team.'
Lavia's Chelsea journey
Zidane added: 'There are plenty of them, even amongst those who came on as substitutes. They'll always cause us problems when we face them again. We needed to show a reaction to win, and it's good that we did.'
Chelsea signed Lavia from relegated Southampton for £53m in 2023, but the 22-year-old has struggled with recurring injuries, making just 29 Premier League appearances in his first three seasons at Stamford Bridge. This season, he has featured in four of Chelsea's five league games, earning praise for his performances.
Chelsea teammate Cole Palmer previously said of Lavia: 'I think he's one of the best midfielders I've played with, to be honest. Everyone hasn't seen it because he's been injured, obviously I knew him at [Manchester] City. I think everyone will realise, I think he will be one of the best midfielders in the world. He's been injured so it's been difficult for him. But I think the games he has played this season you see what difference he's made. I think when he has a full season playing and staying fit I think everyone will realise.'
Chelsea, currently 10th in the Premier League, play their first game in three weeks on Saturday when Bournemouth visit west London.
