Chelsea forward Armando Broja was given the first 45 minutes against Udinese’s second string yesterday as he looks to make an impression ahead of the new season.

With Romelu Lukaku having left the club on loan, and Timo Werner seemingly heading for the exit door as well, Broja could end up being the only recognised striker in the first-team squad.

However, he went into yesterday’s game after only recently recovering from a foot injury, and supporters on Twitter had a mixed reaction to his performance in Italy:

Armando is way stronger than Havertz, plus I wouldn’t judge his finishing just yet because this is his first game of the pre-season but yeah he will be a good treat

— De_Mvjesty (@de_mvjesty) July 30, 2022

More room for improvement..but I think he needs not to put so much pressure on himself..I like his runs in the final third.he should just relax and play his normal game

— EL NINO (@NINOJAY99) July 30, 2022

Positioning was class, end product was poor.

— John (@CFCJohn_mcg) July 30, 2022

fantastic player but lack experience but he should be maintain to serve as a back up to harvetz and werner

— Kumasi King Sark (@gyaetw3di) July 30, 2022

Was good apart from finishing, first game back from a long injury hope he stays and gets more minutes

— Tùchel7🧠 (@cfctboy) July 30, 2022

He gets into position werner WON’T get to

— KTBFFH⭐⭐ (@frappefaris) July 30, 2022

Didn't take his chances didn't even play like he had something to fight for.

— Black Foreigner🇬🇭 (@gideonkojo1) July 30, 2022

Positioning and power on the ball was okay. Was unlucky not score. 6/10

— Joe Snow😎 (@Joseph_j_phiri) July 30, 2022

Meh 😑

— Stevey (@SteveyRockz) July 30, 2022

It’s difficult to make a proper judgement on Broja’s display, considering his fitness levels and the fact that he wasn’t playing in a team full of first-team regulars.

The 20-year-old did demonstrate his ability to be a target man and his willingness to make forward runs, but he did lack sharpness in front of goal.

Although manager Thomas Tuchel has seemingly ruled out a permanent departure, Broja is still being pursued by the likes of Newcastle, West Ham and Everton, who want to sign him on loan. We shall see what the future holds for the player.