Ryan Mason has clinical West Brom weapon up his sleeve - but there is one concern | OneFootball

Josh Maja has been relegated to four substitute appearances for West Brom so far this season

Ryan Mason has one weapon up his sleeve in Josh Maja that could help solve West Brom’s issues in front of goal.

The Baggies have made a promising start to the new Championship season, but it is becoming a glaring issue that the team lacks a consistent threat in front of goal.

Albion have scored just seven times from their first six fixtures, which has been enough for them to earn 10 points from a possible 18.

The team simply isn’t making enough good chances at the moment, with their seven goals coming from an expected goals (xG) of just 6.5 (stats from Fbref).

If West Brom want to compete for promotion this season, then having someone with Maja’s consistency in front of goal will be crucial, as they risk falling behind their rivals with their current rate of finding the back of the net.

Ryan Mason’s ace in the West Brom pack

Mason has opened up on Maja’s lack of game time so far this season, with the forward only being used as a substitute up to this point.

The forward has made four appearances from the bench, with the West Brom manager claiming a certain level of caution is being taken due to the 26-year-old’s recent injury record - a big concern for the club.

"I think each game demands different things, and in terms of how we prepared the game today and the personnel we needed, Josh wasn't part of that today," said Mason, via the BBC.

"But there will certainly be games where he's part of it.

"We’re still respecting he has had a long time out, and he's still building his fitness.

"It's important he got some more minutes today and, hopefully, he can contribute and help us."

Once Mason believes that Maja is ready, he could be set to unleash the weapon up West Brom’s sleeve that can carry them to a top six finish.

The Nigeria international was the club’s top scorer in the Championship last season with a tally of 12, despite only making 26 appearances.

His scoring rate equalled a total of 21 if he had been able to play in every game in the campaign, showing the kind of threat he possesses in the final third.

If West Brom are going to compete for promotion, then having someone capable of that kind of record will be key, and Mason will have to take that risk with Maja soon if the rest of the squad can’t step.

Ryan Mason is right to be cautious with Josh Maja

If West Brom are going to sacrifice the first couple of months of the season in order to help Maja remain fit consistently through the season, then it will be the right path to take.

Some short-term pain for long-term gain could be very beneficial, particularly as the Baggies have done well to earn solid points despite their problems in attack.

Albion have averaged 55 percent possession through the first six games of the season, and no team has completed more than their 2791 passes either.

Yet, despite taking the third most amount of shots in the division, their xG per shot is only 0.08, which is just the 19th best in the Championship.

Maja’s xG per shot last season was a far more impressive 0.21, so it is clear that he can be the difference-maker, as he knows how to get the ball into dangerous positions and take advantage.