“Ahead of Havertz”- Chelsea urged to start academy starlet over misfiring German

Club News: Darren Bent believes Armando Broja should start ahead of Kai Havertz

Speaking to talkSPORT (h/t Evening Standard), Darren Bent believes that Armando Broja should be starting ahead of Kai Havertz for Chelsea. He believes that Broja is a ‘perfect centre-forward’ at the club.

Havertz has been leading the line under Thomas Tuchel for quite some time. The German international, who is actually an attacking midfielder, usually played as a false nine under the German manager in the second half of last season.

But Bent believes Broja should be starting ahead of Havertz. The Albanian is a number nine by trade and Bent believes that if given the chance, he will score goals for the club.

“If they create chances for him, he will score goals. He showed that at Southampton. I think he should be their No.9. At No.9, I’d play him ahead of Havertz.”

The 20-year-old Slough-born Albanian spent the last season on loan at Southampton. It was there where he showed everyone his capability and potential. The striker scored 9 times for the Saints last season and emerged as one of the best young players in the league.

His talent did not go unnoticed and West Ham United showed concrete interest to sign him this summer, but that came to no avail. Tuchel wanted to assess the player first and included him in his pre-season squad. But an early injury in training meant he had to return home without playing any game.

Chelsea signed Timo Werner in 2020 following his exceptional form in the Bundesliga. But ever since moving to Stamford Bridge, the German has struggled in front of goal. Romelu Lukaku was signed last season and he also failed to convince in the number nine role.

Tuchel has signed Raheem Sterling this summer and though he is a winger, it would not be surprising to see him play down the middle at times. A proper number nine is required and Bent believes that Broja could be that.

The loss against Arsenal last weekend could be a wake-up call for Tuchel. Chelsea would see the way their competition have a recognised number nine going into the next season. Havertz is largely a number 10 and it’s not fair for people to point fingers at him if he isn’t the deadliest finisher in the world.

It is, however, fair to want Tuchel to play a tried and tested natural centre-forward in that role. Broja may lack experience right now but he has shown that he has what it takes to make it big.

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The pre-season tour of the United States is over and the players will now play a friendly in Italy before returning back to Cobham. Whom Tuchel starts to lead his line on the opening matchday remains to be open for discussion.