Armando Broja is one of many promising young academy starlets whose attempts to break into the first team are looking increasingly likely following the now well-established developmental path from the academy to the first team that Lampard and Morris have so fervently supported this season, and it’s clear to see why.
Born September 10th 2001 to Albanian parents, Armando Broja spent his formative years developing his game in his hometown of Poole. Here, he spent time playing for Burnham Juniors as well as trialling at both Fulham and Reading. However, it wasn’t until a successful under-8s tournament with his local side that Broja caught the eye of fellow London rivals Tottenham Hotspur that spurred on the first catalytic kick start of his career. So impressed were the lily-whites that they signed Broja following the tournament after they had initially gone to watch another player. He spent two seasons at Spurs and it was during this time that he caught the eye of west London giants Chelsea, having had to play against the Blues regularly. Broja and his family clearly saw the academic prospects on offer at Chelsea the more attractive of the two clubs, and he joined at the end of his under-9 season.
Since joining Chelsea, Armando Broja has continued his professional and physical development that now see him as a domineering, pacey and technical attacker, with a clear eye for goal. At aged fifteen, Broja made his debut for the Albania under-16s but is still eligible to play for England should he choose. Nonetheless, it is of great importance to take notice of his goal and assist numbers playing more senior football. Having played 54 games across the U18, U19 and U23, Broja has contributed to 21 goals and 5 assists, mainly playing as a centre forward whilst also contributing to goals from both the right and left wings. In one of the most dominant academy sides in the world, these numbers are electric; one need only watch him play to understand why the club offered him a contract extension until 2022 earlier this year. Additionally, Broja was rewarded with his first-team.
Stylistically, it is of little surprise to understand that he idolised both Drogba and Costa, with his ability to travel with the ball whilst holding defenders off. Yet, it would be hard to say that his style is identical to the two former frontmen aforementioned as he places greater significance to his own dribbling ability yet his attacking positioning and burst of pace will remind any of the Blues faithful of the runs between defenders that made Diego Costa an instant fan favourite. Strong on his left but clinical on his right, Broja has the ability to play low driven shots across the keeper as well as place well cultured finishes accurately in any corner. Standing at just over 6ft tall, his physicality is arguably greater than the majority of those in his age group, but even when training with the first team and making his first appearance in the senior squad, Broja has never looked out of place regardless of his age.
As is well documented that, historically, the path to the Chelsea first team from the academy has been a scarcely trodden one, but now under new management and philosophy, this is being rapidly readjusted. Therefore, we must take time to analyse how Broja would fit in order to maintain his chances of appearing regularly for the Blues. It is no secret that Lampard is unhappy with his options of strikers at the club currently, with Batshuayi spending time in the secluded tundra of Chelsea’s third-place striker role, and Giroud putting in admirable performances of late but clearly not part of any long term plans, now seems the perfect time for Broja to capitalise and demonstrate to Lampard and Morris that he deserves a chance to be in next seasons plans. Broja doesn’t have the ability yet to hold the ball up against top-level Premier League centre backs, but his pace, positioning and technical ability will stand him in good stead providing he takes his chances when they present themselves. Broja will benefit, as will the squad in general, to having players such as Pulisic, Hudson-Odoi and Ziyech around him playing key passes through to him on a regular basis. Equally, Armando Broja could benefit from a two-striker formation, running the channels whilst Tammy occupies the central areas. This would allow both players to continue their liner trend of development as well as relieving some of the pressure on Abraham to get the majority of the side’s goals.
All fans want to see academy prospects flourish in the first team, yet there is a definite realism that needs to be addressed, that being – the player really needs to demonstrate that they have top class potential – a club of Chelsea’s stature needs to remain more pragmatic than sentimental. Provide the chances but if the quality is shown then players need to be loaned out or moved on in order to accommodate top-quality talent. Armando Broja has all the skills to make him a valuable member of the first team, however, it’s vital for his own sake that he takes the chances when he is offered them. One to be excited about for sure, let’s hope he follows the same path as those who have impressed throughout this season.
Written By Jai Mcintosh