Lavia thriving at Chelsea after injury-hit start

Romeo Lavia says this season feels different at Chelsea, crediting team-mates and coaching staff for helping him put a difficult injury-plagued spell behind him.

The 22-year-old Belgian midfielder has started all four of Chelsea's opening Premier League fixtures under Xabi Alonso, stepping up in the absence of Moises Caicedo, who has managed only substitute appearances so far this term.

'This season feels different because I'm in a different…let's say mindset or space of mind,' Lavia said. 'We've done a lot of work over the summer with all the people at the club to make sure that we could get everything that's happened before behind me. So far it's going well.'

Lavia scored his first Chelsea goal in a 4-3 Premier League win over Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge, a moment he described as emotionally significant.

'To be honest, when it first went in, I didn't really believe it because it's just been so long,' he admitted. 'It was just a moment where I felt free, where it feels like all the work that you're putting in, you're getting the reward for it.'

The midfielder also noted the personal significance of ending his Stamford Bridge wait. His first Premier League goal had previously come against Chelsea, a detail he said always felt uncomfortable.

'I wanted to change the narrative. My first Premier League goal was against Chelsea, so I always felt like it was a bit strange,' Lavia explained.

Despite the expectation that comes with playing for Chelsea, Lavia insists the responsibility does not weigh on him. 'It's not even pressure; it's just like a privilege. So I'm actually living the dream,' he said.