Armando Broja is confident he can be an influential figure in Chelsea's attack this season – and the academy graduate is not overawed about the prospect of competing for a starting role with summer signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
After two seasons away on loan – the first at Vitesse, the second with Southampton – Broja has been integrated into the first-team squad at Chelsea by Thomas Tuchel. The 20-year-old has made four appearances thus far and all have come from the bench as he builds up his match fitness following an injury-impacted pre-season.
Broja's latest outing was against West Ham United yesterday (Saturday); the Albania international was introduced for the final 30 minutes of the contest and played an important role as Chelsea came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory through goals from fellow substitutes Ben Chilwell and Kai Havertz.
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Such a scenario appeared unlikely during a summer in which Broja's future was the subject of constant speculation. West Ham made a big push to sign the forward from Chelsea but were left disappointed. As were a multitude of clubs across the Premier League and Europe.
"You see speculation," Broja explained after Chelsea's win against West Ham. "But I am here now at Chelsea. And I have signed my contract, so I am delighted to be at this amazing club."
That new contract runs until the summer of 2028. It's a lucrative deal but one that also emphasises the belief that the club's new ownership – Todd Boehly, Behdad Eghbali and Jose Feliciano – have in Broja and his ability to thrive at Stamford Bridge for years to come.
"I have always been a confident boy and it is important to keep that and remain confident," Broja replied when asked if he felt he could break into the starting XI under Tuchel. "I feel like I can help the team a lot. I will do my best on and off the pitch in any way I can. I believe I can."
Broja added: "If you're on the bench you now have more opportunities to come on [with five substitutions]. So everybody is preparing themselves mentally and physically for whenever the manager calls on you. That can happen at any point; last minute, halftime, at any point depending on how the game’s going. It’s about being ready and expecting it and staying focused.”
There have been calls from a number of supporters for Broja to start Chelsea's Champions League opener against Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday. That is far from a given due to the attacking options Tuchel can utilise and the integration of Aubameyang, who signed from Barcelona on transfer deadline day.
At 33 years old, Aubameyang brings a wealth of top-level experience to the Chelsea squad and Broja is hoping to learn from the former Arsenal captain in the months ahead: "He is a great player and has done a lot in his career so far. Now he has come to Chelsea, I can learn a lot from him.
"He has done it at Arsenal and Barcelona, so he is a good addition to the club and the team. He seems like a very good guy and I am excited to learn a few things he has. It is good to have that competition in the team."
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