RALPH Hasenhuttl labelled 18-year-old Romeo Lavia as “brave” and explained there was a reason he started immediately, following his stellar Premier League debut.
The teenage Belgian starlet played 90 minutes of his first competitive match for Saints, during the 4-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur on the opening day of the season.
Similarly to Tino Livramento last campaign, who also made his debut age 18 in the curtain-raiser, Lavia has been thrust instantly into the limelight.
The summer signing from Manchester City caught the eye from supporters who were otherwise disappointed, for his composure on the ball and discipline in his position.
“There was a reason why he got the chance to start immediately,” Hasenhuttl insisted, assessing the talented youngster despite a heavy defeat.
Romeo Lavia has so much composure and discipline. Not afraid to take touches in his own box with Harry Kane and Dejan Kulusevski circling.
— Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) August 6, 2022
Also always found just at the base of that midfield, giving JWP and Oriol Romeu license to roam. Hard to believe he's 18. #SaintsFC
“It was not easy for the young lads but they have been brave and tried to compete. They are a strong side playing for the Champions League and for titles,” he continued.
“You could see that they have strengthened up the team. Still, there are players like Richarlison who have not played so there is quality everywhere.”
Lavia, who was thought to be well liked by Man City boss Pep Guardiola, departed the Etihad Stadium last month in search of first-team Premier League football.
He is the long-term successor to Oriol Romeu but looks set to make an immediate impact on the division, having been successful at under-18 and under-23 level for City.
“I feel all the time the quality we have,” Hasenhuttl continued. “We have some issues in the one-against-one defender when it was Kyle (Walker-Peters) or (Mohammed) Salisu or Yan Valery.
“All our problems with this quality they have up front,” he added, assessing the brutal loss at Spurs. “You have to be clear you play against perhaps the best strikers in the world here.
“If you have moments where you have to defend one against one it is always tough. This is nothing surprising for me.
“I think it is frustrating but not completely surprising. If a situation like the two goals happens then this game can go in such a direction.
“I didn’t have the feeling we’d completely fall apart. There was still a structure in the end and we still tried. There were some good chances from Romeo and Ward-Prowse. I didn’t have the feeling we are completely lost now.”
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