Josh Maja has certainly had the rough side of things since joining Bordeaux from Sunderland almost four years ago this January.
Following his move to France, which was covered in depth on the Netflix documentary ‘Sunderland ‘Til I Die’ in 2018, Maja has gone through various goal droughts and loan moves but seems to have finally found his form.
“It’s been an enjoyable, good start to the season,” said Maja. “For me personally I’ve enjoyed playing consistently, developing experience in a new league and I’m hoping it continues in the same way.”
After 15 games played in the French Ligue 2, Maja has scored seven goals, with another three assists as his side sit second in the table, four points off the top.
“I’m not to sure to be honest,” expressed the 23-year-old when questioned why his change in fortune has come. “I think it is just consistency of games and just a refocus on being included in the squad and having a responsibility.
As a player who loves football, having trust from my teammates and the coach has played a big part and I’m enjoying it and hopefully it continues for the rest of the season.”

Maja’s love of the city would certainly be an off-pitch fact on his form, “It’s a really nice city, beautiful,” he said. “At the start there was a lot to get used to but after four years I’m pretty settled, and I can see myself being here for a while but who knows what the future holds.”
“I’d say it’s definitely more peaceful,” added Maja comparing life in south France to that in South London. “Here you can get away from the noise, it’s very quiet, obviously for me living here alone I have a lot of free time and it makes a difference.”
Another factor to explain the London born, Nigerian international’s change in form is his slight positional change at Bordeaux, not just your normal out and out striker.
“I would say it varies depending on the game,” expressed Maja on his role up top. “I feel like the game yesterday (a 1-1 draw at home to Pau) I had more responsibility to be in between the lines and try to create.
And then also responsibility for me to be in the box and try and score. For me I like to do both, I think this is how I sum up my game, someone who can play between the lines and be on the end of opportunities and scoring goals.”
Bordeaux’s draw with Pau on Saturday saw 18-year-old Lenny Pirringuel net his first goal for the French side and Maja believes that he has a more important role this season with the younger crop of players in the side.
“A new thing for me this season is being a leader and helping the team grow,” said Maja. “We have a lot of young players that need guidance and someone who’s experienced.
I’ve been through a lot; I think what I’ve learnt I like to pass on. The more experience I get and the more games I play, the more I can share and see what the future holds.”