Josh Maja is just starting out in professional football, but his early performances for Sunderland have suggested he could go on to be a key player for them this season.

He might have to be, Charlie Wyke's injury could see him leading the line in League One this season as they look for an immediate return to the Championship.

He's bagged five goals in eight League One games, a run which resulted in him being named as the EFL's Young Player of the Month for August. It's a ringing endorsement of not only his potential, but the impact he's having for the Black Cats.

It also prompted a former Black Cats' to offer some words of encouragement. Jermain Defoe has played at the very highest level of the game and continued to do so well into his thirties, and he was quick to give the young striker the benefit of his experience.

"Love that, keep doing your thing," was his tweet, containing a link to news of the young striker's award. Certainly an encouraging message from a high-profile player who Maja will do well to emulate.

The Verdict

Maja has been excellent for Sunderland this season, so much so that Wyke's injury might not have the impact many fear.

The young striker is certainly benefitting from the level of football Sunderland find themselves in, something that could be construed as a silver lining to the huge cloud of relegation last season.

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