‘Goals will flow' - Ex-Wolves star back West Brom striker to deliver but hints at Josh Maja pressure
Aune Heggebo is yet to score a league goal for West Brom
Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman has urged West Brom fans to be patient with summer signing Aune Heggebo and claims supporters should not yet be concerned by his lack of goals.
Marquee summer signing Heggebo is still waiting for his first league goal in a West Brom shirt after arriving from SK Brann. Heggebo has played in every minute of every game in the league this season and has had ample opportunities to try and showcase his worth this term. It’s still early days after five matches but some fans are beginning to call for a change in attack as last season’s top scorer Josh Maja approaches full match sharpness.
Maja, who was linked with a move away in the summer, has had to be patient. He's played a combined 16 minutes since returning to fitness this season, but remains a figure that fans trust to score goals after his 12 strikes in 26 league matches last term.
Don Goodman discusses Aune Heggebo’s start to the season
Don Goodman, who led the line for both West Brom and Wolves during his playing days, told Football League World that Aune Heggebo’s game is not entirely about goals and that he’s not concerned by the youngster’s slow start.
"I think in terms of not getting off the mark yet, Heggebø will be slightly disappointed," Goodman explained. “He's had one or two chances, although I don't think West Bromwich Albion, as a team, are creating bundles and bundles of chances. So, he's going to suffer in that regard.
"But I read an interview with Ryan Mason, saying he's about much more than scoring goals, because he does occupy defenders, he holds the ball up well, he's won every single tackle, he never stops running, he puts himself about, and he's been a handful for Championship defenders to play against so far this season.
"You hope that his team can create a few more really good opportunities for scoring. And, hopefully, once he gets the first one, then the goals will flow. So, there's nothing to worry about as of yet, but obviously, all the while Josh Maja will be lurking in the background."
Aune Heggebo is yet to find form at West Brom
Aune Heggebo is yet to score in the league but he did manage to register one goal in a League Cup defeat to Derby County. The game finished 1-1 with Heggebo tapping in from close range but he was subbed off before having a chance to take part in an unsuccessful penalty shoot-out.
In terms of his all-round game, Heggebo has an XG of around 1.6, while he’s managed 11 attempts at goal and only one on target. His shot on target percentage is 9.1% which is the lowest of all 192 players to have had a successful shot at goal. It’s an underwhelming start but also only based on a small number of matches for a player, aged 24, that’s still adapting to a new league and country.
In quotes provided by Express & Star on 18 September, Mason revealed Maja could be given a chance against Middlesbrough, adding that he’s ready to play an important role for the Baggies.
“He’s getting there,” Mason said. “He’s getting closer, for sure. Training’s been good, he’s progressing really well. We’re happy with where he’s at.We’ve got over 40-odd league games still to go currently and I’m sure Josh Maja’s going to play a massive part in those games.”