EVERTON boss Frank Lampard is well aware of Armando Broja's quality - reminding press that he was the manager who gave the Albanian his Chelsea debut.

Lampard handed Broja his first taste of Premier League football back in March 2020, bringing on the striker in the 4-0 win over Everton - Lampard's current employers.

It was Broja's first ever senior match, and the only time he has been involved in a matchday squad for Chelsea in the Premier League.

With the Toffees visting St Mary's this weekend, Lampard was quick to point out that he is well aware of Broja, after their shared time at Chelsea together.

Lampard told press: "I gave him his debut!

"He's a very good lad, very talented young boy.

"He's fast, strong, has a real eye for a goal.

"He's a very good young player, so I'm very aware of his strengths."

The cameo appearance against Everton remains Broja's only senior appearance in Chelsea colours.

He spent the following season out on loan in the Eredivise, with Vitesse Arnheim.

Whilst Broja was abroad, Chelsea called time on Lampard's tenure, sacking their former captain in January 2021.

Current Chelsea boss and Lampard's successor, Thomas Tuchel, has previously expressed his admiration for Broja.

He told press back in January: “Armando’s getting better and better, he’s a very unique player with unique strengths in his game - he has speed, he’s robust and he’s a goalscorer.

"He’s our player and he’s doing good, but at the same time it’s only half a season, so he needs to continue to improve and to make his statement at Southampton."