Edy Reja, the head coach of Albania, has criticized Chelsea manager Graham Potter for Armando Broja’s insufficient playing time.
With six goals in 32 games while on loan at Southampton in the Premier League last year, Broja made an impression, but this year he has had few opportunities after Reja revealed the player might have left to join the Italian club, Napoli.
Broja was linked to several Premier League clubs in the summer as well, but he decided to stay at Stamford Bridge and eventually signed a new six-year contract to compete for a spot in west London.
The 21-year-old international from Albania advanced through Chelsea’s youth program and calls the Blues his “boyhood club.”
The Slough-born forward scored his first Chelsea goal in last month’s 3-0 win over the Wolves.
Despite only making three starts and playing for a total of 465 minutes, Broja has only scored once in 18 appearances this season.
Following the disappointing 0-0 draw between the Blues and Brentford in October, Graham Potter deemed Broja’s first start for Chelsea this season as “okay.”
In his 16 appearances for Albania, Broja has registered four goals, and Reja, Potter’s international coach, is dissatisfied with his lack of playing time.
When he starts running, you can’t catch him, according to Reja, who also noted his strong play, height, technique, and great speed.
He needs to get better at second balls since he doesn’t contribute much after the action is over. According to this metric, he is performing marginally better this year.
However, the fact that he only plays for 20 to 30 minutes does not in any way benefit him.
Particularly Napoli desired him. However, he wanted to stay at Chelsea, who later renewed his contract. [Sporting director Cristiano] Giuntoli expressed interest and spoke with me as well.
Speaking earlier this month about his own insufficient playing time, Broja promised to give his all on the field and in practice to earn opportunities.
Although he is aware of how fierce the competition is and that it won’t be simple, he eagerly anticipates the challenge.
