Armando Broja’s patience paid off as the 21-year-old performed well in his full debut for Chelsea in the 0-0 draw with Brentford on Wednesday night.
The 21-year-old has been made to wait for his first start for his boyhood club after making his 11 other appearances from the bench.
It was a momentous night for a player who joined the club aged just nine after impressing in a match for Tottenham against the Cobham academy.
The Albania international came out onto the pitch ahead of kick-off to survey his surroundings in a hint of his selection.
From the moment the first whistle blew, Broja put immense energy into the match but often found his runs in behind the Brentford defence ignored as Chelsea struggled to adapt to a new leading man.
Equally, he snatched at what little chances the Blues could create and overhit crosses as the adrenaline of the occasion no doubt got to him.
Over time Broja began to show what he was all about, almost creating big chances for Havertz through his direct running in behind, terrifying defender Ben Mee on both runs with his pace.
His ability to produce high-intensity running helped Chelsea's pressing to ensure they could compete against arguably the most direct side in the league this season.
He only ended the match with one snatched effort but produced more dribbles than any of his other teammates - despite not finishing the game.
It was a glimpse into what Broja can do for Chelsea if his runs are found, shrugging off defenders with his power and stretching them with his speed.
It still feels like he does not quite know that he belongs among the superstars at Stamford Bridge but he has earned every right to be here. It will soon feel normal to start games for Chelsea, putting his fandom behind him.
Ultimately, he came off for Christian Pulisic in the 62nd minute but Graham Potter will have liked what he saw. He will also accept that Broja is a rough diamond that needs developing to reach his full potential.
Potter will also be encouraged by Carney Chukwuemeka's cameo from the bench, where he was brought on in more stressful circumstances than his debut in the 3-0 win over Wolves.
He almost got the winner in stoppage time and was a constant threat over his 30 minutes on the pitch. The 18-year-old looked far from daunted and, like Broja, was also making a rare outing for the club he supported as a boy.
The pair will want more from their spells in west London and Broja will be frustrated in any game where he fails to score or assist.
Rightly, he knows he can give more and that is the attitude that will give him the best chance of ending up where he wants to be, as Chelsea's undisputed No9.
