Sunderland currently sit in second position having been one of the standout performers in League One this season, while Barnsley sit one place behind them in third.
The Black Cats will be desperate to secure promotion straight back to the Championship under Jack Ross having come on leaps and bounds this season. Meanwhile, the Tykes will be looking to do exactly the same by getting the most out of their star players under Daniel Stendel.
Interestingly, Sunderland take on Barnsley tonight at the Stadium of Light, so we took a look at Josh Maja and Kieffer Moore’s influence at their respective clubs.
With that in mind, let’s compare these two transfers…
JOSH MAJA
Josh Maja has been one of the standout performers for Sunderland in the current campaign, with 11 goals and two assists to his name at this moment in time.
However, the youngster hasn’t always been able to show his prolific touch in front of goal as he struggled to have an impact last season. He only managed to produce one goal in 18 appearances for the Black Cats, so it remains to be seen as to whether he can handle the pressure of the Championship.
Nevertheless, he is a special talent that has the potential to excel at the very top.
TT GRADE: B+
KIEFFER MOORE
Ex-Barnsley chief Paul Heckingbottom secured the services of Kieffer Moore for £750,000 back in January of this year not long before taking over at Yorkshire rivals Leeds United, and it’s safe to say that the striker hasn’t disappointed at Oakwell.
The forward currently has 10 goals and three assists to his name in 18 appearances for the Tykes this season, after scoring 13 goals and providing three assists in the second half of last season.
The 26-year-old guarantees a consistent flow of goals at the pinnacle of the attack, which could prove to be the difference in the race for automatic promotion in League One, so he will continue to play a vital part this season.
TT GRADE: A
The Verdict
When comparing these two, it’s clear to see that Moore has been able to produce a consistent flow of goals for a longer period of time, while Sunderland’s Maja struggled in the Championship, and has already suffered from a dry patch in front of goal in the current campaign.
The Tykes’ talisman will play a huge part in their promotion push and could even earn himself a move to the Championship if he continues to fire on all cylinders.
Meanwhile, the Black Cats’ main man has been on fire in the current campaign, but he still has a lot more to offer at the pinnacle of the attack.
Both players have already showcased their talents in League One this season and will only get better from here on in, but it’s Moore that has shown he can guarantee a healthy return of goals over the past season or so for Barnsley, which is something the overrated Maja couldn’t do in the Championship at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland and Barnsley fans… what do you think? Let us know!
