Daryl Dike repeat could be ideal Josh Maja tonic for Carlos Corberan
West Bromwich Albion have had a strong start to the 2024/25 season and much of their good work has been down to one man: Josh Maja.
He struggled to get going in his first season with the Baggies due to injury issues but has roared into life this term.
However, he has undoubtedly been the main source of goals at the Hawthorns so far this campaign, providing pressure which will begin to weigh heavily towards the business end of the season.
One forward nearing a return for West Brom, Daryl Dike, could be just the answer to ease the goalscoring pressure.
Maja has provided the magic for West Brom so far
It’s difficult to overstate just how crucial Maja has been to West Brom’s positive start to the season.
He’s already bagged nine goals in 15 appearances — triple that of the next-best scorers in Alex Mowatt and Karlan Grant, both on three — including an opening day hat-trick in the side’s 3-1 win away to Queens Park Rangers.
That trio of goals was followed by crucial, game-deciding strikes against Stoke City, Plymouth Argyle, Luton Town and Hull City.
| Maja for West Brom in the Championship this season, as per WhoScored | |
|---|---|
| Starts (Sub) | 15 (0) |
| Goals | 9 |
| Assists | 1 |
| xG | 9.35 |
| Key passes per 90 | 0.9 |
| Dribbles per 90 | 0.7 |
It’s fair to say that without Maja’s goals, West Brom’s league position would look very different.
However, strikers rarely stay in top form for an entire season, and almost all are prone to droughts here and there, while there are rumours circling about bids coming in for him in the winter window.
It’s not immediately apparent who will pick up the slack if that happens to Maja, but the answer could well be on the way.
