Lavia was excellent in our previous two matches, against Liverpool and Manchester United, with the added bonus that he completed the 90 minutes in both.

It has reinforced the belief that Lavia is establishing himself as a key controller in the heart of our midfield, and that consistency and rhythm is something Alonso knows from personal experience will only help his team.

‘I always have the feeling that every time the midfield area works, the team works better,’ Alonso said.

‘Romeo is in a very good place, not just the last game. I think that for the last month he's been very consistent in his performance.

‘He's been very important for the team because in the middle you need to have a brain for yourself, but a brain for the team. He's good with the ball, he's giving balance, and he's connecting really well with the players around him.

‘It's not rocket science to know that once you have good midfielders, the team normally looks better.’

Despite Lavia’s eye-catching displays, our manager has made it clear he will continue to demand higher standards from the Belgian international to ensure his ceiling is reached.

He said: ‘We need to push him. We need to help him continue so he can take the next step, because it’s not enough yet.

‘There's been a change, and he knows that,’ added Alonso when asked if Lavia is doing anything differently. ‘He has realised that's the way.’