Kieran Gibbs really liked what he saw from Armando Broja in Chelsea’s 4-0 win against Preston North End in the FA Cup over the weekend.
Armando Broja opened the scoring for Chelsea with a brilliant header and Kieran Gibbs, speaking on ESPN FC after the game, said the striker can be a real handful for teams.
It was only Broja’s second goal of the season; however, he has missed matches because of injury and has had to play second fiddle to Nicolas Jackson.
But with the Senegal international away at the Africa Cup of Nations, the 22-year-old now has a real chance to win a spot in Mauricio Pochettino‘s starting XI.
Kieran Gibbs impressed with Armando Broja’s performance against Preston
Gibbs has praised Broja for not giving up in the game versus Preston and getting his goal.
On the Chelsea man, the former Arsenal defender said: “I thought the big lad up front as well, he can be effective. I thought he took his goal really well. He stays between the posts, which is what you want from a striker, and I think he can be a real handful.
“He’s been out for a while, but I liked him today [Saturday], especially against a stubborn Preston team. He huffed and he puffed up there and it wasn’t easy for him against the back three, but I think he held his own.”
Chelsea need more goals from Armando Broja
Pochettino needs Broja to go on a goalscoring run now. The Argentine is without Jackson and there is no guarantee that Chelsea will be able to bring in a new striker this month.
Some of their top targets just do not look available.
For example, while the Blues have recently been linked with a move for Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, the Argentine is close to putting pen to paper on a fresh deal.
If no new forward arrives at Stamford Bridge in the coming weeks, then Broja is really going to have to step up.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
