Wolves boss Gary O'Neil breaks silence over failed loan move for Chelsea's Armando Broja
Speaking to TMW (h/t Evening Standard), Albania boss Edy Reja insisted that Chelsea striker Armando Broja must play more if he is to improve his game and has urged the Blues to repay the faith that made the player turn down moves elsewhere to stay at Stamford Bridge.
Reja revealed that despite interest from two Serie A clubs Napoli and Atalanta, the 21-year-old decided to stay at the club over the summer. Moreover, he signed a new six-year deal in September.
Broja, who had an excellent loan spell at Southampton last season, has struggled for regular game time in the Chelsea senior team this time around. Out of the 14 league games, he has played only 286 minutes and made only two starts.
Here’s what the Albania manager said regarding the young striker (h/t Evening Standard):
“He must improve at second balls because when the action is over, he doesn’t help much. From this point of view, this year he is doing a little better.
“But certainly the fact he plays 20 or at most 30 minutes does not help him.
“Especially Napoli wanted him. [Sporting director, Cristiano] Giuntoli was interested, he also spoke to me… But he wanted to stay at Chelsea, who then also renewed his contract.”
Since Albania is not playing in the World Cup, Broja will have time to take some rest but also work on his game with the Blues manager Graham Potter and hope to get regular game time once the club season resumes.
The 21-year-old has the potential to be a top striker. He is physically strong yet technically good and has good speed to run past defenders. The national team boss also pointed out where he can improve, a trait that the player can only learn if he plays more often.
Chelsea have their own issues when it comes to centre-forwards. They have not been able to get enough goals out of them in the last few seasons. This season is nothing different. Broja has one goal and one assist in 12 league games, but he cannot be criticised for the goal count because of the lack of time on the pitch in those appearances.
The Blues are eyeing up strikes to sign either in January or next summer. Will Broja get enough time if another signing is made in that position? We can imagine the answer to be a resounding no.
He has been linked with Serie A champions AC Milan in the last few weeks. It would be sensible for Chelsea to let go of him if they do not intend to make him their first-choice striker.
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