Southampton midfielder Lavia hails senior Belgium teammates De Bruyne, Witsel

Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia has lavished praise on Belgium teammates Kevin De Bruyne and Axel Witsel.

De Bruyne, who was also a club teammate of Lavia's at Manchester City before this season, is one of the best in the Premier League.

Witsel, now with Atletico Madrid, has also enjoyed an outstanding career in the Bundesliga and La Liga over the years.

"I know Kevin De Bruyne well, who was my teammate at Manchester City," Lavia told Belgian media.

"We have a good relationship and very often he has good advice on and off the pitch

"I look the most like Witsel: solid defensively, with ball quality," Lavia added. Axel is really an example for me. I don't really have any idols.

I don't feel any pressure either, even if we talk a lot about me. There is a good atmosphere in the group, the players quickly put newcomers at ease.

Off the field, I get along very well with Amadou Onana. It's a pleasure to be on the field with him."