There were some sensational individual performances for Chelsea on Saturday against Man United. Romeo Lavia was one of those, arguably Chelsea’s best, after coming in for Jordan Henderson.

Henderson missed Saturday’s clash against Man United due to illness. Given the veteran’s form for the Blues since his arrival, his absence could have been a huge blow to Chelsea’s chances of picking up a win.

But Lavia, who has not started for Chelsea since before the international break, came in and sparkled in the middle of the park next to Moises Caicedo. The Belgian lived up to Zinedine Zidane’s recent praise.

Henderson and Lavia think another Chelsea star is ‘world-class’

The one constant in Chelsea’s midfield on Saturday was Caicedo, who has formed a nice-looking relationship with Henderson in the double pivot. But it was Lavia who outshone Caicedo on Saturday.

Morgan Rogers, Estevao, Josh Acheampong, Levi Colwill and Mike Penders all sparkled for Chelsea on Saturday. Caicedo, meanwhile, went somewhat under the radar during the 2-0 win vs Man United.

“So for me it’s trying to help him and have a good relationship with him as much as possible, and he’s an incredible player to play with, which makes it easier for me,” Henderson concluded on Caicedo.

Speaking after the match, Lavia said the same thing to Chelsea’s media: “He knows me, and I know him; it’s difficult to explain. But Moi is a world-class player, and I’m very happy to be playing alongside him.”

Display vs Man United was not Caicedo’s best in a Chelsea shirt

Lavia was everywhere, constantly making interceptions, producing some stunning passes and getting the assist for Rogers after typically winning the ball back in midfield, as he had done throughout the game.

Caicedo was good, without excelling. Indeed, he only clocked up 9.5km on Saturday – joint-seventh on the day among Chelsea’s players. Having played on Wednesday, the Ecuadorian might have felt tired.

Competing in 10 duels, Caicedo won six but lost four. He managed just four defensive contributions, while Lavia was miles ahead with a whopping 23. But Caicedo did manage to complete 95% of his passes.

It was a solid display, a 7.2 FotMob rating – but Caicedo was ninth-best among Chelsea’s starting players. However, when Lavia plays like he did on Saturday, Caicedo could coast in second gear for the Blues.