please log in to view this image Josh Maja (R) on the ball holds off Billy Jones(Photo: Sunderland AFC) Simon Grayson believes Sunderland have a major talent on their hands in striker Josh Maja, and admits he was a player that he was aware of before he joined the club. Alongside Joel Asoro, 18-year-old Maja formed a formidable strike-partnership in the under-23s last season, helping the Young Black Cats reach the final of the Premier League International cup. In total Maja netted nine goals and assisted four more last season. He also made his first team debut, coming off the bench for the final 21 minutes of the League Cup victory over QPR. He was regularly involved with the first team in training and matchday squads last term, and he and the rest of the under-23 squad have now been given the chance to impress new boss Grayson during the club’s training camp in Austria. Grayson, speaking to the club website in Austria, said of Maja: “He has been good. “I knew about him before I came and he’s an exceptional talent. “The way we are at the moment with the squad, especially at the top of the pitch, these younger lads are going to get their opportunity over the next few games. “They’re here to make an impression. We did say from day one that the under-23 players weren’t here to just make up the numbers; they’re here make an impression. “Do that and you’re in with a chance for playing during the season. I have been impressed with the younger players, as well as the older players.” Grayson is closing in on new signings, with Ty Browning and Brendan Galloway close to sealing loan deals from Everton, while they’re expected to seal a permanent transfer for Toffees winger Aiden McGeady too. But after strikers Jermain Defoe and Victor Anichebe both departed this summer, Maja, Asoro and Carl Lawson are the only strikers the new Black Cats boss will have available to him in Friday’s opening pre-season friendly against Bury. It means 18-year-old Maja should get a fantastic opportunity to stake a claim for regular first team football next season. Maja, born in Lewisham, south-east London, spent time in the academies of Fulham, Crystal Palace and Manchester City before joining Sunderland in 2015. He’s impressed since arriving, with Sam Allardyce being the first to have him train with the first team.
I honestly think Moyes influenced this game as Love (a RB) played CH when he was'nt a regular in the U23's and was clearly lacking in match practice the previous Saturday against Bournemouth. Move on now and less negativity from me - positively Grayt times ahead
After we got relegated last season would have loved to have seen Asoro and Maja given a game up alongside Defoe. The experience of them playing with him would have been immense....but all water under the bridge now. Two great prospects...so lets practice what we preach and give them the opportunities they need. Pace up front for us.....that's a new concept....new era....'balls for glory'....
Maybe.. But the (admitedly once) the u21s were gash. Men against boys. Hopefully just am off day. Lets see if any can step up.
Is it the cup final against Porto you're talking about? If so I think the fair viewpoint is to praise them for getting to the final not to criticise them for being outclassed in it.
That's a fair assessment although I'd say that they beat several good teams along the way and got spanked by an excellent team. Given the performance of the first team last season and our financial state I think it's good news that we've got youth players good enough to make it to a European final even if they did fall short compared to top class opponents.
I guess if we assume they've got any sense they'll get loans in to cover areas we're weak in and give our own players a chance in the positions we're strong in. **** knows if Grayson and co have much sense but I'm putting faith in them for now.
Think you are being harsh here. Porto have some of the best youngsters in Europe. I've seen our youngsters destroy the Hartlepool first team 3-0 in just one half of football. They'd come up against plenty of good teams in that tournament and beat them. Remember that was a European cup final. That's an unbelievable achievement just to make it there.
Porto had a brazilian striker playing with a 35m euro release clause, that was the difference between our kids and theres. I also read it was there reserve team and not the U23s so they had alot of older players playing. Not sure how true this part is though?
Of course not but I think he influenced the selection of Love - but as Tees pointed out they had a very strong team and I think Mr love was marking their star striker. But its old hat this we now move on with hope to Grayt times
One game tells you very little whichever way it goes, its however undeniable that we do have some very good prospects coming through.
