West Bromwich Albion striker Josh Maja put behind a tough past season to be the hero for the West Midlands side as they came from a goal down to thump English Championship rivals Queens Park Rangers 3-1.
Josh Maja. Hat-trick Hero. 🦸 pic.twitter.com/Ry0J5yCqqf
— The Baggies Bible (@TheBaggiesBible) August 10, 2024
Maja, who made his Super Eagles debut in 2019 under Gernot Rohr in a friendly against Ukraine, endured a difficult last season due to injury.
West Brom went behind early in the game, but Maja headed home a Heggem cross to draw level.
Building on that, West Brom had a fantastic move, and once again Maja was set-up delicately, and be didn’t make a mistake.
He wasn’t done there, he finished off his hat-trick with an acrobatic finish on a deflected ball, marking his team’s third.
Excited about his performance, he said; “I’m delighted with how today (Saturday) went and to help my team.
“I’m really happy to have scored three goals and be available, especially because last season was a tough year for me,” he remarked.
“We’re starting fresh. I’m fit and available, which is a blessing. Hopefully there are many more goals and wins to come. I was in the right place at the right time and I was clinical.”
He picked his second goal as his favourite.
“I think the second header was my favourite. That type of finish isn’t something I’m known for doing, but I’ve managed to add it to my game,” he said.
“It’s really pleasing to be able to show the fans what I can do and it was a pleasure to be out there.
I’ve got to give a lot of credit to the gaffer and to my team-mates and to the staff who have helped me.
“I hope is the start of something special.
“I thrive off goals and confidence. This will be a big boost for my confidence and I’ll take that into my next game.”
By Aboluwade God’s Treasure AGT
