“For the moment, I am an RC Lens player. I’m happy and I had a good season. But we must not forget that I am a player who has ambition. I want to play at the highest level possible. You therefore have to go to clubs that play at the highest possible level. Leipzig could be a good club that will help me take a step forward. Every year, the team plays the Champions League and competes for the championship title. But as I said, I am a Lens player and the clubs must discuss among themselves. My agent handles that too.”said Loïs Openda to RTL in June. Coming out of a full season with the Artésiens where he scored 21 goals and distilled 4 offerings in 42 matches, the 23-year-old Belgian striker had burst into the limelight. If Lens had held on for a while until its sale for 38.5 million euros, the native of Liège saw his dream come true and RB Leipzig attract him. After words, it was necessary to confirm with actions and the Belgian international (11 caps, 2 goals) did not fail to do so.
Under the orders of Marco Rose and in a 4-4-2 which serves as a favorite system within the German club, Loïs Openda quickly adapted thanks to a pre-season marked by efficiency. Scorer for his first match against Udinese (2-1 victory), he then scored a quadruple and two goals during the big success against VSG Altglienicke, resident of German D4 (9-2). Then author of a double against Las Palmas (3-0), he arrived with full confidence at the start of the season. Aligned especially with Benjamin Šeško or Yussuf Poulsen in the attacking duo, he completely took Timo Werner out of the equation. Fast, lively, sharp and efficient, he has become familiar with the Saxons’ game and already has 4 goals and 2 goals in 9 matches in all competitions. Beyond the statistical aspect, he was able to quickly compensate for the departure to Chelsea of Christopher Nkunku who had become the offensive boss of Leipzig over the last two seasons.
Performing against Bayern Munich
A convincing start to the season praised by his coach Marco Rose at the end of August after a 5-1 success against Stuttgart: “an equally intense football is played in France. His former club Lens had an equally intense playing system. We observed the player for a long time and developed a sense of his ability to fit in with us. I’m happy that he scored again, that he continues to gain confidence and is gaining momentum. He’s doing well so far. But we are in a process that will take time. But the trend for him is already very positive.” Aware of his interesting beginnings in Germany, he took stock a few days ago of his progress for Sports Bild : “I can still do a lot more and I work hard every day to get the best out of myself. And coach Marco Rose told me that he wanted and was going to make me a better player. I already notice that this is what is happening.”
He notably mentioned Harry Kane, the reference to his position in the Bundesliga which he intends to achieve a similar status: “He’s better than me. But that’s precisely what motivates me. I would like to be at his level one day.” Deputy coach of Domenico Tedesco in the Belgian selection, Andreas Hinkel was also positive about the right-hander for Sports Bild : “If Lois stays injury-free and keeps pushing, he has a great career ahead of him. Romelu is currently an integral part of the team, a phenomenon, a born leader. He talks a lot with his colleagues and involves everyone. And that really challenges us as coaches.” Facing Bayern Munich this Saturday during the clash of the sixth day of the Bundesliga, he particularly stood out. Scorer at the start of the match and passer for Castello Lukeba, he participated fully in RB Leipzig’s draw (2-2) against Bayern Munich. Like a fish to water, he will experience an exciting new challenge this Wednesday with the Champions League clash against Manchester City. The opportunity to continue to show that he is taking a new step.
