Armando Broja has gradually worked his way into Chelsea’s plans over the last few years, from youth team star to loan army standout, to sub, and today to starter for the first time.
He scored off the bench last week, so the pressure has been on Graham Potter to give the Albania international a start eventually. Today seemed like a great opportunity given the Bees’ style, as Potter explained.
“We wanted to use Armando today. It’s a busy schedule so it is about using the whole group. The guys coming in have all played recently. It is a team we believe can win the game’. He has the physicality to affect the backline which is important against Brentford. They are going to play aggressively. Having his ability to stretch and challenge them is important,” the former Brighton boss explained in quotes on the club’s 5th Stand App.
We saw in both our games against our West London rivals last season how physical they are, and at times we just weren’t up to it.
Reece James is out of the team today, making it even more important to get our big lads in the mix. Broja will really be tested, but will also have some great chances to score his second Chelsea goal. Brentford are impressive for a club on a budget, but even at home they can ship a few goals, and Broja’s pace and strength should give him a couple of chances.
