Sunderland opened their pre-season campaign wit ha hard-worked 3-2 win over Lancastrians Bury FC. But it was the performance of youngster Josh Maja that left a few Shakers at Gigg Lane.
The young striker was buzzing around the field during his time on the pitch and gained his just rewards with two goals, including the match winner (below) as the Black Cats came back from a 2-0 deficit to claim the victory and set their season off in the best possible way.
🔥 Here’s that winning @J_Maj10 strike as the Lads kick pre-season off with a 3-2 victory v @buryfcofficial pic.twitter.com/sGNHPudKaU
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) July 7, 2017
His performance rightly left many Sunderland fans eulogising over what they saw, the London-born 18-year-old looking the part. But, whilst Sunderland fans may be versed a little better than others, the question remains as to just who Josh Maja is.
Josh Maja – quick factfile
- Maja joined Sunderland from Manchester City’s youth side, making the move on July 1 2015. Before being brought into the Manchester City Youth set-up, the youngster had been on the books of London sides Fulham and Crystal Palace.
- Last season he made a total of 27 appearances for Sunderland, 21 of these (six goals) coming in the Premier League 2 competition. He featured five times for the first team in cup games (four EFL Trophy/one EFL Cup), five games that brought one goal and three assists
- He’s a Bronze card in FIFA17 with the following rating highlights: Pace 74, Finishing 62, Shot Power 66, Dribbling 61, Ball Control 62, Beast Rating 76
After last night’s performance, Sunderland fans were quick to comment on Twitter about Maja’s display at Gigg Lane.
Maja double and Sunderland fans’ reactions on Twitter
Maja and Asoro to tear up the championship this season yes please #Safc
— Mavin (@MVN_98) July 8, 2017
Dont want to get to carried away.. I mean it was Bury.. but Maja looks like he's had a fair bit of training from JD.. clinical tonight #safc
— Joe Smith (@Joecsmith11) July 7, 2017
Spent all summer listening to Asoro bitching on an Maja is by far and away the better prospect #safc
— Paul Buck (@buck_paul) July 7, 2017
Over the moon for josh maja fantastic young talent Grayson has finally given him his chance #safc
— jakeykirkbride (@JacobKirkbride) July 7, 2017
Maja's on fire, the Championship is terrified! #SAFC
— Phil Catcherside (@pjcatcherside1) July 7, 2017
Been saying all last season maja far more complete than Asoro. 👌#SAFC #majalad
— James (@jamesleemidd) July 7, 2017
Josh Maja ❤️🔥⚽️ @J_Maj10 #SAFC
— Luke Peary (@LukePeary14) July 7, 2017
Whilst it is the first game of pre-season, and against League One opposition fielding two different sides in each half, nothing should take away from Maja’s brace of goals and overall performance.
