Andy Hinchcliffe shares what Josh Maja needs to do in West Brom play-offs verdict
Sky Sports co-commentator Andy Hinchcliffe says West Brom will mount a challenge for the top six if Josh Maja can hit “15-20 goals” this season.
Maja has burst into life in the Championship this term, firing a hat-trick on the opening weekend away at QPR, with a further goal and an assist in the last two games.
The 25-year-old has been anticipated to be a huge decisive factor in Albion’s push to retain a top-six spot and have another crack at promotion, as a foil for the team’s impressive defence under Carlos Corberan.
Hinchcliffe, speaking on the Essential EFL podcast [9 September, 15:53], said: “Having a goalscorer – if Maja can knock in 15-20 goals, with West Brom’s defensive setup, you see them again challenging seriously for the top six.”
West Brom ace Josh Maja aiming for prolific season
West Brom will be relying on Maja as the team’s primary source of goals this season, and so far he has justified that.
With four on the tally in just four games, there is every promise that, should he stay fit, the one-cap Nigeria international can comfortably outrank Brandon Thomas-Asante’s chart-topping 11 goals that led for Albion last season.
This would in no uncertain terms complement a steady defence at The Hawthorns who, despite losing Cedric Kipre, can be believed to ensure a tightness again into this season – Semi Ajayi has slotted in seamlessly so far.
Maja has explored different options in his career but has not always been a regular goalscorer – he has, however, delivered in part, with 16 goals for Bordeaux in 2022-23 and a prolific spell with Sunderland in League One as a youngster, firing 15 in 24 before his January 2019 switch to France.
He has shown he has it in him when he is settled and, after an injury-hit maiden campaign with the Baggies, Maja may be the one to provide firepower for the long season ahead.
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