Jermaine Jenas has explained his theory on why Chelsea’s Armando Broja appears to be out of favour with the Albania national team manager.
Albania have been eliminated from this summer’s Euro 2024 tournament despite putting in some eye-catching performances.
In fairness, they were up against it in a group that included Spain, Italy and Croatia.
Chelsea striker Armando Broja, 22, is certainly one of the more high-profile names in the Albania squad.
However, despite starting the opening defeat against Italy, he was dropped to the bench for the next two matches. He was an unused substitute in the Croatia draw, while he got half an hour in the second half of Monday night’s loss against Spain.
Jermaine Jenas theory on Armando Broja
BBC pundit Jermaine Jenas thinks he knows why Albania manager Sylvinho ended up dropping Chelsea’s Broja from his starting line-up at this tournament.
He suggests that the 22-year-old striker hasn’t moved enough in his international performances and needs to do more to be involved in games.
While on co-commentary for the BBC’s coverage of Albania vs Spain (84th minute, 24 June), Jenas said: “I think that’s where Broja should be running, though. I think this is where Sylvinho gets frustrated with him. He kind of stands in the middle a lot. It’s like get me the ball and I’ll do something. Whereas sometimes when you’re the best player in a team like he’s in, he’s got to offer a little bit more.”
Chelsea forward needs fresh start
The Chelsea Chronicle feels like Broja needs a blank canvas to start again in his career.
At the age of 22, he’s already had to contend with a long-term knee injury, which is something that completely stopped him in his tracks.
It’s hard to picture him making a breakthrough at Stamford Bridge, but he could have a really bright future if he can get regular minutes to rebuild his sharpness and form.
Journalist Ben Jacobs reported via X in May that Broja is expected to leave Chelsea this summer amid interest from Monaco, AC Milan, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Crystal Palace and Everton.
Let’s hope a return to club form can coincide with better luck on the international stage. His current record for Albania is 5 goals in 23 caps.