Ryan Mason set for brutal Aune Heggebo decision vs Middlesbrough following Josh Maja update
Aune Heggebo has had his part to play for West Brom in recent weeks.
West Brom signed Heggebo from SK Brann over the summer as one of several new signings.
The striker left a great impression when Heggebo netted West Brom’s only goal against Derby County in their Carabao Cup elimination. However, the centre-forward has struggled to make an impact since the game.
As a result, life at Albion could become difficult for him to navigate moving forward.
Ryan Mason reveals ‘massive’ role for Josh Maja
Josh Maja was linked with a departure from West Brom in the final days of the summer transfer window.
However, the striker stayed put, and Maja could even extend his stay at Albion in the near future – although fans have been warned to take this with a pinch of salt.
Maja has found it difficult to earn minutes under Ryan Mason since returning from injury in the summer.
- Maja has yet to start for the Baggies in the 2025/26 season
- The centre-forward has played 16 minutes in the Championship without scoring or assisting
Despite this, in quotes provided by Express & Star on 18 September, Mason revealed Maja is ready to play an important role for the Baggies.
“He’s getting there,” Mason said. “He’s getting closer, for sure. Training’s been good, he’s progressing really well. We’re happy with where he’s at.
“We’ve got over 40-odd league games still to go currently and I’m sure Josh Maja’s going to play a massive part in those games.”
On whether Maja is fit enough to start for Albion, he added: “Yeah, I think he’s fit enough. It’s my decision now.”
This could spell trouble for Heggebo and Mason, who could make the brutal decision to bench the striker for Maja in the coming days.
- Read more: Ex-referee reacts to Aune Heggebo’s frustrating situation at West Brom after ‘huge error’
Aune Heggebo bests Josh Maja on one key metric
While Heggebo’s inefficiency in front of goal will be a concern for Mason, he still has one redeeming quality.
According to Sofascore, Heggebo has created 1.00 chances per 90 in the league.
Meanwhile, Maja created 0.8 chances per 90 for the Baggies last season. This indicates that Heggebo is a greater creative threat compared to Maja.
Even with Maja returning to the fold, Heggebo offers a completeness which could trump his teammate if he becomes more clinical in front of goal. As a result, the onus is on Heggebo to start scoring for the Baggies this season.
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