Josh Maja has scored four goals in four games for Sunderland this season.
Sunderland’s young striker Josh Maja has had a magnificent season in League One so far, scoring four goals in four games and providing excellent cover to injured forwards.
The Black Cats youngster was expected to be second choice behind new signing Charlie Wyke, but has proved he has what it takes to be Sunderland’s main striker this term.
However, it hasn’t all been plain sailing since Maja made his first-team debut in 2016 and praise should be heaped onto Sunderland’s coaching staff for the youngster’s development over the past few months.
Maja made his first-team start back in the Championship and played frequently in Sunderland’s relegation campaign last season, but scored just once against Fulham.
Pressure often fell on the young shoulders of the 19-year-old and former youngster Joel Asoro to score the goals the Black Cats so desperately needed and Maja struggled to find the back of the net in the second division.
However, in a new era on Wearside with new coaching staff to assist with Maja’s development, the Academy prospect has turned into a man and looks to be flourishing under the watchful eye of new manager Jack Ross.
One noticeable sign of improvement in Maja’s game has been his hold-up play, which has given Sunderland a new dimension in attack, something Ross and his staff have clearly worked on with the forward.
Not only are Sunderland fans enjoying the Black Cats’ good form, but seeing young players like Maja and 16-year-old Bali Mumba thriving in the spotlight provides great hope for the future of their beloved club.
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