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Southampton ace ‘ready’ for national team stardom, says veteran

By Dakir Thanveer

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 11: Sekour Mara (R) of Southampton celebrates with team-mate Romeo Lavia after he scores a goal to make it 1-0 during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Southampton v Manchester City at St Mary's Stadium on January 11, 2023 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 11: Sekour Mara (R) of Southampton celebrates with team-mate Romeo Lavia after he scores a goal to make it 1-0 during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Southampton v Manchester City at St Mary's Stadium on January 11, 2023 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images) /
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Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia is among a host of players who are ready to star for the Belgium national team, according to Red Devils veteran Axel Witsel.

The Saints signed Lavia from Premier League rivals Manchester City for a deal worth up to £14m last summer. He has since established himself as a key player on the south coast.

Lavia has made 18 senior appearances across all competitions for Southampton so far. He helped the team to six wins in those games, while contributing towards two goals in the process.

The midfielder’s performances for the club have certainly not gone unnoticed outside St. Mary’s. Many expect him to make his senior bow for the Belgium national team soon.

Witsel is among those who believe Lavia is ready for stardom with the Red Devils. The Atletico Madrid midfielder named the Southampton star among others as players he thinks are equipped to step up for the national team.

"“We have very good young people who are ready to take over the national team”, Witsel told Eleven Sports [via RTL Belgium].“I don’t know if we have ten, but it’s clear that… If I take the case of [Amadou] Onana, who has already been with us, he is already ready to take on a slightly more important role.”“I am also thinking of Arthur Theate. [Jeremy] Doku, has also already been with us, knock on wood, if he is fit and avoids small physical issues, is also someone who can become important.”“Romeo Lavia, who hasn’t been with us yet, they are players who are ready, I think.”"

Southampton ace Lavia receives praise from Alan Shearer

Lavia notably impressed for Southampton in their 1-0 win against Chelsea last weekend. He was then named in Alan Shearer’s Premier League Team of the Week.

"“Dominated the midfield against Chelsea’s big-money signings”, Shearer said on the 19-year-old."

The Belgian is expected to be pivotal in the Saints’ bid to survive relegation this season.

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