Ralph Hasenhuttl says on-loan Chelsea forward Armando Broja has undertaken the task set out for him very well this season.
As quoted by the club website, the Southampton manager noted Broja’s strong contributions as a substitute and a starter in the past few months.
Broja a bright spark
The 20-year-old is settling into life by the south coast rather nicely, following a relatively rocky introduction to his new employers.
After accumulating 86 minutes from Southampton’s opening seven Premier League games, the Albanian international has since played nearly nine hours of top-flight football.
December can definitely go down as a decent period for the striker.
He scored against Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace, both efforts which should’ve been winners had the Saints held onto their lead.
Broja also netted consecutively in October, earning Hasenhuttl’s side four, precious points in the process.
Happy Hassenhutl
His four-goal tally could increase this weekend when Southampton hopefully travel to West Ham United, covid protocols permitted.
The last meeting between the two teams – a 0-0 draw – saw Broja appear for his current employers for just the second time in the league.
“I remember when he was coming on that he had a few good chances in this game,” said Hasenhuttl on that stalemate at St. Marys.
“He is good as a sub and he has also shown in the past that he can start. He’s got four goals after starting so good, good average to be honest.
“He grabbed a chance because of Ché’s (Adams) injury. He was there and he did everything to help him get a chance again.
“This is what you have to do as a young player.”
Hammering the Hammers
With Adams and Adam Armstrong still recovering from injury, the onus will be on Broja to lead the line once again.
A job he has yet to shy away from.
Chelsea may be keeping an eye on their academy graduate’s display over the weekend, as they continue to plan for his future endeavours.
Broja will certainly help his future at Stamford Bridge if he can get one over West Ham.