Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia says he would be open to FIFA’s wacky walk-ons being brought to the Premier League, though admits players would be left freezing in England if they had to wait for everyone else to exit the tunnel individually.
The Club World Cup sees each side’s stars introduced one by one. In Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC, Marc Cucurella was the first to have his name announced as he took to the pitch. He then had to wait while the other 21 players joined him.
That was not so bad at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta as the roof was closed and the air con blasting, meaning the Georgian humidity outside was kept at bay. However, in England, Cucurella would risk being stood still for several minutes in the cold, rain and maybe even snow if it became a Premier League feature.
Nevertheless, Lavia said: ‘I think it’s something special and new. It’s a first for us. I enjoyed it. Why not bring it to the Premier League?
‘I mean, it’s a bit of a showbiz thing, isn’t it? I quite like it.
‘The only difference is (if we did it in the Premier League), we might get a bit cold because once you’re out there, you have to wait for maybe the other players.
Romeo Lavia admitted he was a fan of the showbiz walk-ons players are treated to ahead of Club World Cup fixtures
Marc Cucurella was first out and had to wait for his team-mates while the ceremony unfolded
‘But apart from that, it was good. I guess we always learn new things from international tournaments and that’s what makes it special.’
The walk-ons are only one of FIFA’s gimmicks being trialled at the Club World Cup. While they have faced criticism, the Ref Cam in which you can watch live footage from the referee’s perspective has been considered a success.
Lavia was substituted at half-time in Chelsea’s win along with Reece James, with Blues boss Enzo Maresca looking to manage their minutes after significant muscular injuries.
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‘I feel very good, confident in my body and in what we can achieve as a team as well,’ Lavia added.
‘I am not thinking too far ahead. It’s just about taking each game as it comes and then doing everything possible to stay fit and playing as many games as possible.
‘The biggest “credit” a footballer can have is to be available. It’s definitely something I’m aware of. So I do everything possible to stay fit.
‘Honestly, all the injuries I have had before, I just want to put them behind me and look forward to the future feeling good.’
