Aune Heggebo makes Hawthorns debut, West Brom fans react to performance
Aune Heggebo will have plenty of eyes on him at West Brom this season.
The frontman joined the Baggies earlier in the summer in a £4.75million move from Brann, where he struck seven goals from just 13 games at the start of the season.
Heggebo’s signing could be a crucial piece of business from West Brom, given that they struggled to find goals on a consistent basis after Josh Maja’s injury last term.
There will be plenty of expectation attached to the Norwegian this term, and he will need to come in and hit the ground running if Ryan Mason’s side are going to compete in the upper echelons of the Championship.
West Brom fans react as Heggebo makes his bow at the Hawthorns
West Brom’s pre-season has been a huge source of frustration for fans so far, as the team have struggled to find any sort of rhythm.
Mason’s charges had gone winless until the 3-2 triumph over their Spanish visitors, in what was their final outing before the return to competitive action.
The Hawthorns faithful got their first glimpse of the new-look outfit, complete with minutes for all three of their new summer arrivals.
Nat Phillips and Heggebo both started the encounter, while George Campbell was introduced from the bench midway through the second half.
Heggebo led the line for the Baggies, and got a crucial 90 minutes under his belt, as he made his maiden appearance in B71.
The Norwegian’s performance has largely been well-received by the West Brom fans, with one fan describing his performance as “really promising” via X (3 August).
Heggebo needs to provide support for Maja in front of goal
West Brom failed to cope with Josh Maja’s absence last term, as the striker’s January injury completely derailed the campaign in B71.
The 26-year-old still ended the season as his side’s top goalscorer, despite missing the final 20 games, and he is crying out for more support in front of goal this time around.
Heggebo is the man who will be tasked with adding firepower to Mason’s attack, and his impact could be pivotal for the Baggies’ chances.
The Norwegian doesn’t have to immediately come in and be a prolific marksman, but he will be needed to chip in with his fair share of goals, at the very least.
If Mason can get his new man firing, then the squad is certainly strong enough to mount a push for the play-offs.
However, if Heggebo struggles to find his feet in the EFL, then West Brom could be looking at another battle in mid-table.
Sign up for the West Brom News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking West Bromwich Albion news sent straight to your phone.