Ralph Hasenhuttl has told the Daily Echo he believes Armando Broja has finally started to show why Southampton signed him on a season-long loan from Chelsea.
The Saints acquired the Albania forward to deepen Hasenhuttl’s attacking options from the Blues academy last month. Broja had only featured once in the Chelsea first-team, but has already made three outings with Southampton.
He also opened his account with a brace at Newport in the Carabao Cup before making his Premier League bow. And Broja has impressed Hasenhuttl with his performances in cameo appearances for Southampton against Newcastle and West Ham United.
Hasenhuttl notes he needed a heart-to-heart talk with Broja to outline his expectations for the centre-forward’s time at Southampton. Conceding his start was not as anticipated.
“On Saturday, I have seen why we signed him and why the scouts wanted him to sign, and this is good,” Hasenhuttl said. “I had some very serious conversations with him to tell him what I want to see. He’s been a bit of a slow starter; you need to push him a little bit, I think. And now he’s moving in the direction I want to see and definitely shown his qualities he has so far, in this moment. This is very positive for me.”
Hasenhuttl added: “The way we play football is a little different to how he has played so far. A little bit more energetic. He was in the beginning, I don’t want to say lazy, but he didn’t show the qualities he has. You come into a new club, you must show that players have respect for you and show the qualities you have. He did this in the last two games, coming on against Newcastle and on Saturday also.”
Broja listened to Hasenhuttl advice for Southampton chance
Broja clearly listened to Hasenhuttl’s advice and showed his electrifying potential against West Ham on Saturday. Despite only featuring for the final quarter of an hour, the 20-year-old immediately increased the energy of the Saints attack.
He beat Angelo Ogbonna with a buoyant first foray into Irons territory, before soon rattling Lukasz Fabianski’s post from 25-yards. Broja’s long-range attempt arguably Southampton’s best chance to break the deadlock, which would surely have delighted Hasenhuttl.
Broja also offered Hasenhuttl reason to feel optimistic for his time at Southampton against Newcastle. Using his height to cause the Toon problems and holding the ball up well for the Saints to advance. He will likely again occupy a seat on the bench against Manchester City on Saturday, but impressing at the title-holders would skyrocket the eight-cap gem’s stock.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
