West Ham are one of a numerous sides interested in Chelsea striker Armando Broja.
The 20-year-old spent last season on loan at Southampton but his future is now uncertain with the Blues reportedly ready to except a bid of £25million for him.
The Hammers are in desperate need for a striker this summer to share the burden with Michail Antonio, but would Broja be a good signing?
Scouting Report: West Ham transfer target Armando Broja, would he be a good fit for the Hammers?
Before analysing what striker West Ham should sign it is important to understand what manager David Moyes requires from his centre-forwards. The reason why he rejected the chance to sign an out-and-out No.9 in the last few transfer windows is because Moyes only wants players with a specific skill set and will only sign players he is 100% sure on. If he isn’t, he will be content with a small squad, as shown last season.
Therefore the attributes a striker has is incredibly important. Antonio may lack that typical striker’s instinct and miss the occasional big chance that top strikers would score but he is about far more than finishing.
His work rate is exceptional, his hold play is fantastic and he brings others into play like few others. His combination of pace and power is frightening when he’s on his game and his ability to create chances for others has significantly improved, he scored 13 last season and registered a further 11 assists. West Ham’s big strength is the counter attack and Antonio is perfect for this.
So is Broja good enough to fill Antonio’s boots?
To start with he is 12 years younger. Antonio is 32-years-old and may start to decline soon while Broja has his best years ahead of him.
The positives that Broja would bring to West Ham is firstly his speed and strength. He is extremely quick and very tough to knock off the ball. Southampton like to attack quickly and Broja was excellent in sprinting up the pitch with and without the ball. He is in the best 69th percentile for progressive carries for strikers. Essentially, he is very good at dribbling with the ball bringing his team up the pitch. He ranks in the best 81st percentile for best dribblers.
With West Ham’s already great counter attacking talent, he could be a real threat on the break, much like Jarrod Bowen is when he dribbles the ball forward.
Broja netted nine goals for the Saints last season (six in the Premier League) that may not seem the best return but his finishing is excellent. He has a powerful shot that he likes to drill into the corners but he is also capable of smart finishes (like chips) and showing composure in front of goal. If he is given more chances his goal tally would no doubt go up.
Another advantage Broja offers is his exceptional work-rate. This is what makes Antonio so good and Broja runs tirelessly if that’s sprints in behind the defence or to win the ball back. Southampton play a high pressing style and Ralph Hasenhuttl demands great intensity from his attackers. Therefore, Broja’s stats make him one of the best defensive strikers around. He is incredible at applying pressure and making interceptions and tackles.
He is also decent in the air winning 4.28 aerial duels per 90 which is impressive. We know Moyes demands intensity and isn’t a fan of luxury players who won’t put in the hard yards, this is why he could be keen on Broja because he will buy into that philosophy of: “if you don’t run you won’t play”. He plays with heart and passion.
The main negative of signing the Albanian is he doesn’t create opportunities like Antonio does. He registered just one assist all year, so ten less than Antonio. That is a severe drop off and Broja doesn’t really have any play-making skills. Broja’s shot creating actions per 90 are 1.61 but for West Ham’s current striker it’s 3.13. It’s Antonio’s underrated strength.
In conclusion, to sign Armando Broja will be tough with so many top clubs interested but West Ham should feel they can attract him quite easily. If the fee is £25million then that’s a good price in today’s market for a young player with so much talent. Broja ran riot against West Ham in the loss at home to Southampton and in the FA Cup defeat, he proved how good he is in those two games – Craig Dawson had a nightmare trying to deal with him fouling him twice to give a penalty away in each game.
He would be a more clinical striker than what the Irons have now, plus, he can meet the demands of playing for a Moyes team with his attributes. The downside is that he is still a raw talent, by no means is he the complete player yet and his inability to create is a concern. He is not the ideal signing but he is an interesting option. However, there is more pros than cons and he would prove an attractive signing that would excite the fans.
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