‘I couldn’t quite understand’: Micah Richards left stunned by what 20-year-old Chelsea loanee did at the weekend

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Micah Richards struggled to get his head around the ease in which Armando Broja man handled Manchester United’s defenders last Saturday.

Speaking on the BBC Monday Night Club, Richards both applauded the on-loan Chelsea striker and condemned United’s two senior centre-backs.

Broja batters the Red Devils

Broja made life extremely difficult for Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane during Southampton’s 1-1 draw at Old Trafford over the weekend.

He left both expensive internationals in his wake on separate occasions during the first half, thanks to a sudden burst of pace.

The fact Varane is one of the quickest centre-halves in the profession says a lot about the Albanian’s raw velocity.

Southampton’s sizzling centre-forward also demonstrated brute strength against the pair who should be far more physically advanced than their opposite number.

“Broja, I know we’ve mentioned him before, but he’s bullying not only Maguire but he’s bullying Varane as well, which I couldn’t quite understand for someone so young,” admitted Richards.

Aman in demand

Maguire and Varane are not alone in feeling a little shaken up by the 20-year-old Chelsea academy product.

Numerous Premier League central defenders have felt Broja’s wrath this campaign.

Only last Wednesday was he taking apart Tottenham Hotspurs’ Davinson Sanchez and Christian Romero.

Manchester City’s usually reliable rear-guard took a bit of a beating from Broja when Southampton secured a point at home to the reigning champions.

A sea of washed-up bodies usually follows the in-demand attacker wherever he goes.

His ability to humble the likes of Maguire and Varane have made his stock rise dramatically over the past few months.

Chelsea will undoubtedly receive several offers for the Cobham scholar over the summer, including from the Saints.

Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta is apparently a huge admirer of Broja, whilst Leeds United and Newcastle United reportedly showed interest in the January transfer window.

A long queue for his signature is set to snake out of the Stamford Bridge front door at the end of the term, one that might snap shut if the Blues decide to keep hold of their player indefinitely.

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