IT'S TOFF AT THE TOP
Forgotten Chelsea star could hand Enzo Maresca huge boost in title bid this weekend… without even playing for Blues
Fit-again loan hitman itching to make an impact at both ends of the table
ARMANDO BROJA is desperate to cement his name in Everton’s history in a game he “dreamed” of playing in as a boy.
The Albanian striker moved to Goodison on a season-long loan from Chelsea in August but was soon sidelined with an Achilles injury.
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Fans finally got to see him in an Everton shirt for the first time on Wednesday as he came off the bench for the final 12 minutes of the 4-0 win over Wolves.
And after sampling Goodison for the first time as a Blue, the somewhat forgotten Chelsea loanee wants to play his part in the famous stadium’s last top-flight derby against Arne Slot’s Reds.
Broja, 23, said: “It’s a massive win for us and we go three points clear of the bottom three. But the games come thick and fast and we have a massive derby, so we’ve got to be ready for that.
“I used to watch it when I was a kid, so it’s one of the ones that you dream of playing in.
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“I can’t wait to be a part of it and just see the atmosphere in the game.”
Broja, who had loan spells with Southampton and Fulham, is ready to make a big impact.
He continued: “I have come back from a long injury, so there’s more to come from me.
“I can get even sharper, I can get even better.
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“I felt really good to be back out there. I really enjoyed it. I played with a smile on my face.
“I can still keep going forward and giving more.”
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Should Broja make an impact on the game, he could help his parent club's surprise title push.
Chelsea are Liverpool's nearest challengers heading into the weekend's action, trailing by seven points.
Enzo Maresca's side could do with a favour from Everton before they face Tottenham on Sunday.
Ex-Stuttgart midfielder Orel Mangala, 26, cannot wait to face Liverpool.
The Toffees ace said: “I have had some crazy derbies in Germany. This type of atmosphere is very good . . . I love it.
“But this is definitely a bigger game. We will give everything to get the three points.”
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