Kyle Bartley names West Brom player ‘key’ to Premier League promotion
West Brom have stumbled upon difficult times in the Championship as of late.
The Albion started the season perfectly and were unbeaten for four matches, but that has fallen apart.
However, West Brom were handed their first defeat against Derby County before failing to secure a win in their following two games.
The Baggies’ most recent letdown came in West Brom’s draw to Leicester City, where a Nat Phillips own goal saw them concede two points in stoppage time.
But Ryan Mason could still guide Albion to Premier League promotion before another season runs its course, with plenty of time left.
Josh Maja key to Premier League promotion
Josh Maja was expected to leave West Brom over the summer, but now continues to fight for his place under Mason.
The striker missed a crucial opportunity to score Albion’s second against the Foxes, with Aune Heggebo praised for his earlier efforts for West Brom.
However, former Baggies defender Kyle Bartley, who retired this year, speaking as a guest on the BBC West Midlands Football Phone In, believes that if Mason can get Maja back to his best, Albion could earn a play-off spot, or potentially automatic promotion.
He said: “I think my only concern will be the lack of goals.
“Having played with Josh Maja, I know he missed a chance to make it 2-0, but he is the key to Albion’s season.
“Get Josh back in the team and scoring goals, and he could be the one to push them into the play-offs, possibly the automatic positions.
“All teams that were promoted in the last few seasons have strikers who get them 20 to 25 goals, and for me, that is the key.
“I think it is an open season; there are no standout teams in my opinion.
“The defence is really strong, if they can add a few more goals and get Josh that sharpness and confidence back with him and Heggebo up top, then I think the world is our oyster.”
Josh Maja will threaten Aune Heggebo’s spot
Maja netted 12 goals in the Championship for West Brom before his injury last season, but has been used as a rotational option upon his return.
There could be two reasons for this. The first is the Baggies’ coach favouring Heggebo, or Mason is keen to gently bring Maja back to speed.
According to Sofascore’s summary of the league performances from Albion’s new recruit, it is safe to say that the latter could be the likelier option.
- Heggebo has netted once in the Championship this season
- He has missed two big chances and has a conversion rate of 8 per cent
- On average, Heggebo takes 1.9 shots per game but has scored 0.1 goals
The issue here is not a lack of chances being created, but poor finishing when in front of the goal.
While he is new to the team and will take time to adapt, there is only so much the fans and the manager will take before trying something new.
With Maja having proven he can score in a West Brom shirt, there is no doubt he will become a huge threat to Heggebo’s starting spot as the season progresses.
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