Josh Maja hits top gear for Le Havre as Lille trip looms

Josh Maja, Le Havre’s forward, is stepping up after an uneven start and will look to keep the momentum going this Saturday at Lille (17:15), according to L’Équipe. The Nigerian was the one chosen to face reporters at his club’s press conference on Thursday, his first media appearance since joining.

Arriving on July 31, Maja signed for a deal “one year plus another option”, but his pre-season was delayed by visa paperwork, which pushed back both training and match readiness. His first outings were unlucky: after a shove involving Niakhaté, a handball led to a goal being ruled out in the 1-1 draw vs Lyon on August 29. He followed with two starts that didn’t go his way versus Brest (1-2, September 5) and Angers (0-0, September 12).

With the international break, Maja scored a hat-trick in the friendly his side played—6-1 against Boulogne-sur-Mer. Didier Digard has been impressed: “In terms of work ethic… Josh is what I’ve seen most impressive.” He adds: “At training, what he does in front of goal is really impressive.”