Sunderland

9 goals in 12 appearances – Everything need to know about Man City and Tottenham’s teenage League One target

Share

Who is Tottenham and Man City target Josh Maja? The next big thing in England?

According to Chronicle Live, Sunderland’s teenage sensation Josh Maja has caught the attention of Premier League giants Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur with his exceptional performances in the League One.

Sunderland haven’t had the best of times in recent years, with the Black Cats facing back-to-back relegations but the 19-year-old Josh Maja has emerged as one of the brightest sparks. The youngster has scored 9 goals in 12 appearances in the League One and is currently on top of the scoring chart in England’s third-tier.

As the big clubs come sniffing around like sharks, let us take a deeper look at one of the most talented young forwards in League One – Sunderland’s Josh Maja.

Background

Maja was born in the London Borough of Lewisham to Nigerian parents and grew up in Pimlico, London. He played for Crystal Palace and Fulham at the youth level and spent some time in training at Manchester City. However, Manchester City did not see too much talent in him after which he was signed by Sunderland.

He graduated from the Academy of Sunderland and signed his first professional contract in 2016, signing a three-year deal that would keep him at the Stadium of Light until 2019.

Although Maja was a part of Sunderland’s squad in the 2016/17 season when the Black Cats faced relegation from the Premier League, he wasn’t given an opportunity to make his bow and made his senior debut in the League Cup instead.

He played 17 games in the Championship last year and scored a goal as Sunderland once again faced relegation. However, he has excelled in the League One and has stepped up to spearhead his team’s attack in the absence of Charlie Wyke. 

Style of play

Maja is more about raw talent defined by pace, flair and athleticism. He has a decent technique and receives the ball fairly well in the final third. At times, he drops deep to carry the ball forward with pace and likes to initiate counter-attacks.

Another good aspect is his vision and the presence of mind that he shows during the build-up. He doesn’t like sticking to his position and prefers a free roaming role in the final third. A look at this video gives us a good idea of his passing, vision and presence of mind.

Maja is not afraid to have a crack on goal and creates his own space to shoot – something that has worked wonders for him, at least in League One. This video shows that he has the confidence to score from tight angles.

Not only does he have the confidence to take shots on goal but has also shown good composure in the final third and doesn’t lose his shape in front of the goal as many players of his age are likely to. A look at this video throws light on his movement to get into scoring positions and his composure in crucial moments.

Read More: Who’s this 16-year-old prodigy coming through the ranks at Sunderland? The next big English talent?

What does the future hold?

Maja has enjoyed a breakthrough season in League One and has caught the eye with his prolific goalscoring form. He is already on the radar of big clubs like Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur where he will get the opportunity to train with some of the best players around.

A jump to the Premier League might be too big a step but from what we have seen so far, he definitely has a bright future ahead of him.

Sayan Chatterjee

A Premier League enthusiast and an avid follower of the beautiful game... keen eye for tactical battles and love to discuss the financial aspects of football...other hobbies include reading, listening to music, playing FIFA on PlayStation, traveling, etc. Follow me on Facebook

Recent Posts

The Vital Role of Communication on the Soccer Field: Unlocking Success in Leagues

Communication is the heartbeat of any successful soccer team. On the field, amidst the flurry…

1 day ago

The Brilliance of Paul Scholes: A Midfield Maestro’s Illustrious Career

In the annals of football history, few names evoke as much reverence and admiration as…

2 weeks ago

Online games on Football

Are you new to the world of football betting and would you like to take…

3 weeks ago

Using Soccer News to Enhance Your Game Strategy

If you are into sports betting, staying ahead of the game is crucial. One way…

4 weeks ago

Interesting Facts About Football: 40 Questions and Answers

I have prepared some interesting and fun football facts for you, perfect for those who love the  thrill of discovery almost as much as the excitement found at https://www.staycasino.com/. Like the  unpredictable nature of casino games, these facts will surprise and intrigue you with unexpected  twists and turns in the world of football. Here is the complete list of 40 interesting and fun facts  about football.  What are the most interesting facts about football?  Football was invented in Italy, Messi is the highest-paid athlete, and the fastest a player has  been sent off is 0 seconds!  Stay ahead with these facts and impress with your knowledge. This collection contains many  football facts that will surprise you. Tell your friends new facts they don't know.  Interesting Facts About Football  Every football fan should know these facts. You can also surprise your children with what they  don't know!  When was football invented?  Modern football originated from the Florentine game of Calcio Fiorentino, played in the 14th …

4 weeks ago

Real Sociedad vs PSG preview, team news, tickets and prediction

Real Sociedad returns to the midst of Europe's elite clubs in the UEFA Champions League…

1 month ago