“I’m very aware of his strengths, a very talented boy” – Frank Lampard says of Chelsea player
Everton’s new manager Frank Lampard has hailed the qualities of Chelsea striker Armando Broja ahead of the game against Southampton this weekend.
However, Broja joined Southampton on loan last August and the 20 year old has impressed for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side, scoring eight goals in 24 appearances.
It was Lampard who gave Broja his professional debut as Chelsea put four goals past Everton back in March 2020 and the young forward is preparing to face the Toffees for the only second time in his career on Saturday.
Asked whether he was aware of Broja while in charge of Chelsea, Lampard told reporters on Thursday: “Well I gave him his debut at Chelsea so I did know him!
“He’s a very nice, very good lad and a very talented young boy.
“He came into us at the start of the Covid times, trained with us and showed the attributes that I think you’re seeing now in the Premier League at Southampton.
“He’s fast, strong, has a real eye for goal and he’s a very, very good young player so I’m very aware of his strengths in a Southampton team playing very well.
“This Southampton team have been together a long time under the same manager with a very firm idea. Through the tough times they’ve been through they stick together and keep working in the same direction.
“That’s the sign of a strong club with belief in a manager and a manager with belief in his players.
“They’re in very good form at the moment so it will be a very tough match for us.”