Ryan Mason makes key Josh Maja admission after huge decision at West Brom
Josh Maja’s involvement has been a major talking point at West Brom so far this season.
The striker has been limited to largely substitute appearances under Ryan Mason this term, as he has undergone the final stages of his recovery from the injury that ruled him out for the second half of last season.
Many expected Maja to be key for West Brom as they attempt to mount a genuine promotion push this term, but events haven’t really panned out that way in the early stages of the campaign.
However, things could be about to change for the frontman moving forward, after what his manager has just revealed.
Ryan Mason backs up Josh Maja caution at West Brom
Maja’s lack of football at West Brom this term has frustrated fans in recent weeks, which is understandable given the threat that he carries at Championship level.
The former Sunderland marksman ended the campaign as the Baggies’ top scorer last term, despite being sidelined for the final 20 games of the league season.
Mason had been cautious in his approach with the 26-year-old so far, having routinely handed Aune Heggebo the starting berth at the top of the pitch.
- Maja sustained a calf injury in the 1-1 draw with Swansea City back in January 4
- That remained his last competitive start until Wednesday night
- He had played just 60 minutes across the opening five league games prior to the Norwich win
However, that caution was thrown to the wind on Wednesday night, when the boss made the huge decision to hand the frontman his first start for nine months.
Maja rewarded the 34-year-old for his call by netting the only goal of the game in the win over Norwich City.
Mason has now admitted that he still believes he did the right thing by managing Maja’s minutes, but admitted that the goal would have been invaluable to him.
“I’m super happy for him to score,” the Albion boss told the Birmingham Mail.
“He’s worked very hard, and we’ve been patient with him. We believed that was the right thing to do because of the time he had out, but, at the same time, we know he can affect games of football.
“I think that will do him the world of good and give him lots of confidence.”
- Read More: West Brom fans fuming as Ryan Mason makes major selection decision – ‘I can’t believe my eyes’
Josh Maja has clear upside over Aune Heggebo
Heggebo has drawn mixed reviews at West Brom since his move from Norway in the summer.
Some view the 24-year-old as the ideal combative target man for the second tier, while others point to his lack of quality in front of goal as a major issue.
Maja seized his opportunity with both hands in midweek, and he showcased once again the significant upside that he can provide when compared to his teammate.
- Maja needed just 20 minutes to find the back of the net on his first start
- He averaged 0.53 goals per 90 in the Championship last term
- That was the highest total of anyone in Albion’s 2024-25 squad
The frontman only had 19 touches of the ball during his 60-minute cameo at Carrow Road, the lowest total of anyone to start the game for Albion, but he only needed one touch to slot home inside the box to decide the game.
That moment encapsulated everything good that Maja brings to the team. His natural goal-scoring instincts are unmatched at The Hawthorns, and there is nobody better when it comes to being calm and composed inside the box.
Albion have arguably lacked a cutting edge in the final third in recent weeks, and with Maja now back to full fitness, that problem should quickly be resolved.
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