NEW Saints recruit Romeo Lavia revealed how training alongside Premier League great Fernandinho helped him grow in his role as a central midfield player.
Lavia, 18, last week finalised a deal to join Saints from Manchester City for a reported initial £10.5million.
He signed a five-year deal with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side, as he became their fourth first-team summer signing before Joe Aribo’s arrival.
Lavia played twice for Manchester City’s first team last season – Fernandinho’s final campaign before returning to his native Brazil.
The 37-year-old won five Premier League titles during his nine-year stay at the Etihad, as well as six League Cups and an FA Cup.
Brussels-born Lavia previously said he looked at the way both Fernandinho and Sergio Busquests operated in central midfield.
Asked how much of an influence they had on his own playing style, Lavia told the club website: “Obviously as a young player, you don’t really pay attention to the little details that make the difference at the highest level.
“I think by watching them, especially training with Fernandinho – it helped me a lot to understand more the role of a defensive midfielder and central midfielder.”
Now poised to earn a chance with Saints in the Premier League, Lavia is set to be part of the club’s pre-season tour to Austria when they head out on Wednesday.
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