West Brom news: Lewis Cox issues ‘Devastating’ claim as Tony Mowbray takes charge
Lewis Cox thinks Josh Maja playing under Tony Mowbray at West Brom could be “pretty devastating”.
Maja is currently sidelined at The Hawthorns through injury, meaning Mowbray has not yet been able to utilise his top scorer since returning as manager.
However, speaking on the Baggies Broadcast Podcast (29 January), Express & Star journalist Cox sounded his excitement at the prospect of Maja featuring under Mowbray’s system at Albion.
“The real shame of this period is Maja being injured for Mowbray’s entrance for me,” Cox said.
“I mean, I really, even speaking about it now, thinking about it, I’m really intrigued as to how Albion with this Mowbray tactical head-on and as many bodies in the box as possible, get forward as much as possible, win the ball, attack as much as possible.
“With Maja as sort of the conduit in connecting all of that and creating and linking and creating a start in all of that, it could be fascinating because there’s no one better in that position in the division at making those little links and inviting colleagues forward than Maja and I think with the freedom and licence Mowbray could bring, that could be pretty devastating actually.
“However, as we know Maja’s injured for another four or six weeks and that’s one of the reasons Albion need to bring someone in. But I still do expect a number nine type profile as the main priority in that area.”
West Brom need a Josh Maja replacement
Losing your top striker to injury is always difficult but at such a crucial period in the season, it could prove to be a vital moment in Albion’s campaign.
With this in mind, as Mowbray looks towards a play-off finish with his side, there is little doubt that attacking reinforcement are needed at The Hawthorns.
What is relieving for the boss is that there were four different goalscorers in his side’s 5-1 win against Portsmouth on Saturday (25 January), suggesting that there are members of the squad who have the ability to contribute what is needed to the side.
With that being said, as Cox points out, the 26-year-old contributes more to his side’s efforts than just his goals contributions which is where his absence will be felt.
When fit again, it will be exciting to watch Maja play under his new boss. However, in the time being, there has to be an effort to fill his gap in the squad too.
In other West Brom news, Albion learn the conditions required to get rid of one player before the transfer deadline.
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