Ligue 1 Exalts Chelsea Target Maja

The FLP has taken time to celebrate Nigeria international Josh Maja, the first player to be accorded that honour in the new year.

Former Sunderland forward Josh Maja has been identified as a star for the present and future by the body organizing the French topflight following his decent start to life in France.

The 22-year-old left England for Bordeaux in the summer and has become an instant hit at Les Girondins.

The highlight of the youngster’s Ligue 1 sojourn so far was his remarkable display in the 6-0 demolition of Nimes back in December.

Maja netted a perfect hat trick on the day, the last of which was a pure beauty: the striker controlled the ball coolly and then craftily worked just enough opening on the edge of the area before hooking a deceptively powerful shot past Paul Bernardoni in the Nîmes goal.

On the official LFP Ligue 1 website, Josh Maja was described as “a finisher. At 1m 80, Maja could rely on his physique to carve out chances, but rather the Nigeria international looks to his speed of movement and composure under pressure to set up his quick, powerful shooting.

“This has earned Maja a reputation for creating goals seemingly out of nothing, but under Bordeaux boss Paulo Sousa, Maja has improved his positional sense and link-up play and now presents a much more complete profile as a striker – as his hat-trick against Nîmes showcased.”

The Nigerian international is reportedly a transfer target for London side Chelsea, with Frank Lampard looking to find a capable deputy for star striker Tammy Abraham.