Southampton fans hope for ex-defender Romeo Lavia to progress to the Club World Cup knockouts, repeating a feat last achieved by ex-Saint Virgil Van Dijk in 2020.
After Mateus Fernandes' U21 exit with Portugal, Southampton fans are left with extremely rare ones to look for next. Pinpointedly, just ex-Saint Romeo Lavia in the Club World Cup and loanee Ronnie Edwards at U21 Euros.
But what's further intriguing is that with Edwards reduced to the bench, in practicality, it's just Romeo Lavia left to follow for Saints fans. Needless to say, all hope will be from him to bring laurels to St. Mary's too.
Having slipped an opportunity to claim a European medal recently, Lavia's obvious aim should be to go all the way to the Club World Cup 2025 trophy. Interestingly, the 21-year-old can still add a new chapter to the Saints' history books just by making it to the knockouts of the tournament.
Romeo Lavia tipped to match Van Dijk's success
That's because no former or current Saint has ever made it beyond the preliminary CWC round after Virgil van Dijk did it with Liverpool in 2020. And while the defender made it to lifting the title, Lavia could be the next to follow in the club icon's footsteps if Chelsea make it past the group stage.
Now, for a club like Chelsea, this is the least minimum expected, but strangely their recent condition says otherwise. Sitting at 3 points off 2 games, the Blues need to avoid a loss at least to make it to the next round.
Needless to say, Chelsea will have all the Saints fans' support for Romeo Lavia as they face ES Tunis next. But as a matter of fact, Chelsea must start the ex-Saint in the decisive contest.
In case you remember, Chelsea marked a comfortable win over LAFC in the first game where Romeo Lavia started. However, they were restricted to a humiliating loss the other time around against Palmeiras.
Honestly put, Chelsea are the clear favourites to win it against their Tunisian opponents. Shall it happen, Southampton will have the first ex-Saint to match van Dijk's success.