SPANISH football legend and national team boss, Luis Enrique, singled Saints loanee Armando Broja out for praise, following their 2-1 win over Albania on Saturday.

The Premier League forward, who has netted nine goals in all competitions for the St Mary’s outfit this campaign, was involved from the start for his country in Catalonia.

Broja, 20, played 84 minutes of the contest and it required a 94th minute winner from Red Bull Leipzig’s Dani Olmo to defeat his side in the international friendly.

The Chelsea academy youngster did not add to his three goals for Albania on his 11th cap.

Daily Echo: On-loan Saints striker Armando Broja (Pic: Stuart Martin)On-loan Saints striker Armando Broja (Pic: Stuart Martin)

However, former Real Madrid and Barcelona midfielder, Enrique, who has since managed Barcelona and Spain, was impressed by what he has seen from Broja.

Speaking at his post-match press conference, Enrique said: “Broja is very strong.

“If you look at him at Southampton he causes problems for the best central defenders in the world.”

He continued: “We (Spain) are not invincible. There were difficulties they put us under. They were going to test us and I am happy with the attitude we showed.

“We have to correct things, which is natural, but nobody is going to win by walking in modern football.”

Broja has made 31 appearances across all competitions in his first senior English football season. He had scored 10 in the Dutch Eredivisie the year before, playing on loan for Vitesse Arnhem.

His future is as of yet undecided, with it looking increasingly unlikely that he will make a permanent return to Saints. He could head back out on loan.

Thomas Tuchel may want to have a look at him for his Blues squad, while there is reported interest from other Premier League and European clubs.