Romeu settling in fast at Chelsea

Oriol Romeu is loving life at Chelsea since his close-season move from Barcelona, saying he made the switch to play regular football.

Romeu, 20, has started the last two matches against Newcastle and Valencia, impressing in the holding midfield position.

The Spain Under-21 international has spoken of his happiness at the progress he is making at Stamford Bridge.

“I came because there was more chance of playing and to be playing in games of this magnitude, against Valencia and against Manchester City, is a marvel,” Romeu said in the Daily Express.

“I love playing generally, but it is even more enjoyable when it is in important games.”

“I really like the style here. I liked watching it on TV before and I like it even more now, playing in it. It is a different kind of football – more physical, with more contact and quicker.”

Chelsea coach Andre Villas-Boas has selected Romeu ahead of some more experienced players, though the young midfielder is not taking his starting place for granted.

“I don’t feel I’m an automatic choice in my position, no, not at all,” he said.

“There are three, four or five players who can play there. The only thing all of us can do is maintain our level if we want to play. It is a continual evolution and all of us can play at this point in time.”

Chelsea take on league leaders Manchester City on Monday, and Romeu is hoping his team-mates’ recent good form will continue during their trip to Etihad Stadium.

“The City game is a great chance to show everyone what we can do when we are playing well against the league leaders,” he said.

“If we win, it will prove that we are still fighting for the league.”