The Maiga Experiment

I have to admit that last season I was one of those fans complaining about the lack of chances issued out to the newly acquired Modibo Maiga.

Performances against teams like Southampton and Chelsea had many of us buying into the hype and genuinely believing that Maiga could add some much needed quality upfront, a year later and we are still looking for that added quality upfront.

This season its safe to say that Maiga has had his fair amount of chances to really prove his worth, but he has struggled to fully adapt to Premiership football, some may blame our 'direct' way of playing football, while others believe that he isn't good enough. Now I'm starting to believe the latter, in games he often appears unmotivated and unwilling, I know some may have resented Carlton Cole's contribution at times but Carlton on a bad day is still more of a player than Maiga will ever be (judging on current evidence).

This 'experiment' of slowly incorporating the Malian international into the team hasn't worked so far and I'll be very surprised if it does!
With Mladen Petric still working towards obtaining match fitness and the return of Carlton Cole; I can see Maiga only being used as a last resort.

Unless he proves us wrong I reckon he'll be sold in January to free up funds for new players.

Have I been too harsh on Maiga?

Or is the criticism well deserved?