‘Really nice battle’… Jason Cundy loved 22-year-old Chelsea man’s physicality vs Everton

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Jason Cundy enjoyed Armando Broja’s battle against Jarrad Branthwaite in the first half of Chelsea’s match versus Everton earlier.

Mauricio Pochettino has preferred Nicolas Jackson over Armando Broja this season, but the Albania international was given the nod to start at Goodison Park.

And Jason Cundy, who was commentating on the game for Chelsea’s official club website (10/12/2023 at 14:13), took pleasure in watching Broja’s physical duel against Branthwaite.

The 22-year-old’s start at Goodison Park was just his second in the Premier League this season.

Former Chelsea player Craig Burley recently stated that he would rather see Broja in Pochettino’s first XI than Jackson.

Jason Cundy on Armando Broja and Jarrad Branthwaite battle

There was not too much action in the first half of Everton vs Chelsea, but Cundy enjoyed Broja’s battle with Branthwaite.

Commentating on the match for Chelsea’s website, the former Blues defender said during one phase of play: “Really nice battle that’s developing between two very physical boys, powerhouses.

“He does well Branthwaite because what Broja wants to do is away on that right-hand side, he’s managed half a yard in front, he wants to knock the ball in front of Branthwaite, get the other side, then he can’t touch him. But Branthwaite puts his arm across — good solid defending.”

Will Mauricio Pochettino hand Armando Broja more starts in the Premier League this season?

A lot will depend on what happens in the January transfer window.

If Chelsea go out and buy a new centre-forward, then you suspect that Broja’s opportunities will become even more limited.

Broja has had some injury problems this term, but when he has been fit, Pochettino has usually opted for Jackson when choosing his first XI.

The arrival of a new frontman next month would probably see Jackson become second-choice striker and Broja third, which means even fewer starts and opportunities for the latter.

However, if no one comes in, there is a good chance of Broja earning more starts. Jackson has just not been consistent enough this season and if that remains the case, then his deputy is going to have to come into the team at times. This January, then, could be quite significant for the Chelsea academy graduate.