Spotted by Pep Guardiola, aged 14 playing for Anderlecht at a youth tournament organised by Kevin De Bruyne, Roméo Lavia became a Manchester City player just two years later and two years after that joined Southampton. City had a buy back option and a sell on clause, which was just as well for them as Lavia quickly settled and immediately impressed playing in a defensive midfield position. Before August was out he had scored in the 2-1 defeat of Chelsea (see below) who promptly offered £40m for him after the game.

Mature beyond his years it soon became obvious to most that he would not be at St Mary’s very long especially when relegation was confirmed. He had missed a crucial part of the season with an injury but returned to maintain his high standards as Saints fought to stay in the top flight. That summer Liverpool were the first club to show an interest but Southampton had their valuation and were not prepared to to waver. In the end, his original suitors came calling and a protracted transfer came to an end with his move to Stamford Bridge for a fee way north of £50m. In March he had won his first cap for Belgium, playing alongside the man whose tournament had launched his career, just five years previously.