“I liked his goal on Saturday” – FCGB manager Guion insists Super Eagles star key to season’s success

The Nigeria international continues to face criticism from different quarters but he has not stopped enjoying the favour of his club boss

Football Club des Girondins de Bordeaux coach David Guion has talked up the importance of Nigerian forward Josh Maja to his team’s set-up.

Maja has been Girondins Bordeaux’s top goalscorer this term with eight goals and three assists in 17 Ligue 2 appearances.

The Super Eagles striker’s eleven-goal contribution makes up 50 per cent of the total goals that FCGB have managed in the league this season.

Still, critics have called for Bordeaux head coach David Guion to convert Maja to a winger to accommodate other favoured forwards.

Guion has shut down those calls, insisting that Maja is a complete striker, who can bring more than just scoring goals to the opposition’s danger area.

Citing Maja’s fine finish against Rennes in the Coupe de France at the weekend as an example, Guion highlights how the 23-year-old initiated the move that led to the goal and was on hand to finish it expertly with his left foot.

“We worked a lot on our offensive animation during the winter break. Josh Maja is an important part of our game,” Guion said at a pre-match press conference.

“We also discussed a lot with him so that he is much more present, more dangerous also in the penalty area.

“Besides, I liked his goal on Saturday because he’s the originator and the finisher. So I think that role showcases his qualities.

“Personally, I like him. when you play with deep players next to him, or on the flanks, it doesn’t matter. He played very well.

“In any case, when he has the ball at his feet, you need movement, verticality because, behind him, he can put the balls as he wants.”

Maja is not only Bordeaux’s top marksman but also the joint-top scorer in the French second division.

Bordeaux sit in second place on the league table and could return to Ligue 1 if they finish in that spot at the end of the campaign.