Romeo Lavia, Chelsea’s £58 million summer signing, made his long-awaited debut in Chelsea’s 2-1 triumph over Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge after a six-month wait.

Lavia joined the Blues from Southampton after a lengthy transfer drama with Liverpool. His debut was postponed due to an ankle injury and fitness concerns caused by a short preseason with the Saints.

Romeo Lavia, 19, had to wait a few days longer after being selected on the bench in Chelsea’s Christmas Eve defeat to Wolves. When his name was shouted over the tannoy, the Stamford Bridge faithful erupted in applause.

Just before the hour mark, Romeo Lavia replaced Ian Maatsen in the defensive midfield spot previously held by Conor Gallagher. Gallagher was able to move into his favored position higher up the pitch as a result of this tactical alteration. Lavia made an immediate impact, taking a ball from Malo Gusto and drawing a foul from Jefferson Lerma to relieve Chelsea’s pressure in their own half.

Lavia’s next contribution, however, was less encouraging, as he clumsily fouled Michael Olise and followed it up with a bad pass upfield towards Mykhailo Mudryk, resulting in a Crystal Palace throw-in down the left-hand touchline.

Lavia demonstrated his defensive abilities with two clearances away from goal and a strong challenge on Eagles forward Jean-Philippe Mateta.

While he was not prominently involved in midfield, Lavia executed his duty well, expertly navigating out of many tackles and maintaining his cool.