At just 20 years old, Armando Broja already has a collection of Chelsea supporters clamouring for him to make his first senior start for the club. The Armenia international has been tied to the Blues since signing for the academy at the end of his under-9 season but spent the last two season out on loan, first to Vitesse Arnhem in 2019/20 before linking up with Southampton last term.
The Cobham product enjoyed some impressive form on the south coast on his way to nine goals for the club, though his output diminished in the closing months of the season. Nevertheless, it was always the plan to assess Broja's first team merits during pre-season.
While the striker's place was deliberated over, injuries slowed Broja's chances to impress Thomas Tuchel and his coaching staff. The youngster still drew interest from clubs across Europe and Premier League sides West Ham and Everton were keen.
Challenging for a spot in Chelsea's starting XI would always be demanding, even with the departures of Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner leaving the Blues light in the striking department. Competition has been found in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang but rather than a move elsewhere, the end of the transfer window saw Broja sign a new, six-year deal.
The young forward feels up for the challenge of taking on Aubameyang and believes Chelsea is an ideal environment to continue his development. The Blues being close to his heart doesn't appear to have hurt either.
Broja said: "Chelsea is one of the best clubs in the world, everyone knows that. There's no better feeling to be playing for my boyhood club and the club I supported my whole life. It is amazing to be learning from these players that I am playing with and training with every time. To work with an elite manager, it is just amazing for me as a young player to develop in such a good environment as Chelsea. My full focus is to be here and focus on Chelsea. Everywhere you go in football there's competition, that's just normal. For me, it is just about being focused, keeping my head down and working hard. Hopefully, I will get many more opportunities, but I am thankful at the moment."
Broja has racked up four appearances from the Chelsea bench so far this season, with his outing against former side Southampton leading for many to call for him to start against West Ham at the weekend. His introduction, alongside the likes Kai Havertz, Ben Chilwell and Mason Mount, helped the Blues earn three points after the sluggish first half. Could he get his chance in the Champions League?
"I don’t know if I’m starting as it’s in Tuesday, we’ll see what happens," said Broja, "Obviously it’s the Champions League, which is what everyone dreams about. To play in it’s the manager's decision, and we will see what happens. I just need to prepare myself for the game in whatever way I can. If that’s coming off the bench or starting, I’m going to prepare myself for the game."
Broja knows he can also achieve a significant impact from the bench, however. His outings against Southampton and West Ham have certainly energised the lineup and that is the minimum he hopes to provide whenever he is on the pitch.
He said: "Well, the manager trusts me to come onto the pitch and I need to repay the trust of the manager and the team and try to help out as much as possible even if I just play five or 10 minutes, however long it is I try to give my all to the team, the club and the fans. Every time I do come on the pitch, I just focus on how I can help the team. If I can score, get an assist or just use my work rate and hunt the ball down, helping the team as much as possible. Like I said, today [Saturday] a few subs came on and Chilly scored and got an assist as well. It is important to have energy on the bench come on and impact the game. It was good to come on the pitch and enjoy myself."
READ NEXT:
10 seconds that proved why Chelsea bought Wesley Fofana 'wildness' in West Ham victory
Chelsea vs West Ham player ratings as Ben Chilwell and Kai Havertz spare Blues blushes in win
Chelsea confirm new Armando Broja long-term deal amid Thomas Tuchel transfer decision
- Full Chelsea Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
- Chelsea transfer business under the microscope in 'good deal' or 'bad deal'
