Thomas Bruns backs Chelsea loanee Armando Broja to replace Romelu Lukaku ‘within four years’
Speaking to Dutch outlet Voetbal (h/t Evening Standard), former Vitesse Arnhem player Thomas Bruns said that he believes former teammate and current Chelsea starlet Armando Broja can make it to the first team and establish himself within four years.
The Albanian is currently on loan at Premier League side Southampton, leading the line for the club and stamping his authority in the English top-flight with his goal-scoring ability. He continues to glide past opposition defences and makes a case for himself to be given the nod when he returns to Stamford Bridge.
Broja spent last season on loan at Vitesse alongside Bruns, and the latter believes Broja has what it takes to replace Chelsea’s main striker Romelu Lukaku in a few years. It is quite the statement given what Lukaku has achieved in his career.
“I think he can make it to the first team at Chelsea within four years. That will also be his goal. They will need a new striker anyway if Lukaku wants to move on in the long run. I think he could do that.”
Broja’s dreams of making it at Stamford Bridge is currently blocked by Lukaku, who is seemingly first-choice for boss Thomas Tuchel in his Chelsea lineup. However, this season has also seen the Belgian forward struggle in front of goal and look short on confidence, amid questions over his long-term future.
Mount inspiration for Broja
Chelsea academy players have established themselves in the senior team in recent years, with Callum Hudson-Odoi, Reece James, and Andreas Christensen all becoming regulars in the first team. There is no reason to believe why Broja cannot join that list if he keeps up his level of performance.
Bruns admitted that the Albania international sees Chelsea star Mason Mount as his inspiration to break into the first team. The Englishman also spent time with Vitess as a young player. Mount turned out for the Dutch side in the 2017/18 season on loan from the Blues.
“He sees Mason Mount as his example. He also did well at Vitesse and is now a key player at Chelsea.”
There is no doubt that Broja’s stock has been rising throughout the season, with his exploits at Southampton getting Chelsea fans excited about his prospects when he returns to the club at the end of the campaign. With Lukaku’s patchy form, they will hope that Broja finds a place in Tuchel’s plans next term.
Such has been the level of his impact that Saints were keen on signing the 20-year-old on a permanent deal this January. However, Chelsea holds a strong position over the player, and the Albanian is under contract with the Blues until 2026.
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Although there is no guarantee of Tuchel handing Broja regular starts next season, the striker certainly would have a case on his hands to complain, given his performances this season. Given his displays for the Saints, it remains to be seen whether the South Coast club comes back for him in the summer regarding a permanent move.
Bruns has made the bold claim of Broja replacing Lukaku at Chelsea in the space of four years. However, the Belgian is an elite striker with loads of experience in the top-flight, and many would back him to come good soon. It is too late to write off Chelsea’s record signing.