The rule is simple: if Loïs Openda scores, RC Lens does not lose. Better still, he wins ten times out of twelve. And since the 23-year-old Belgian is in the thick of it (8 goals in 6 games)Olympique de Marseille, expected on Saturday May 6, 2023 (9 p.m., Canal +) in a volcanic Bollaert-Delelis stadium, can expect to leave Pas-de-Calais disappointed.
A success of Lens against OM, Openda in dream. Because these three more points in the bag would mean a second place in the standings, getting closer to three units from PSG, on a trip to Troyes on Sunday evening, and putting a hand on direct qualification for the Champions League. A competition already disputed by Loïs Openda under the colors of Club Brugge, but in which he has not yet scored.
Seeing the ball in the back of the net is the obsession of the kid born in Liège in February 2000 and who revealed himself with the Speed Arnhem jersey in the Netherlands (37 goals in 88 games from 2020 to 2022). This season, the Sang et Or have already seen him score 18 goals in the Championship.
“Often the right zone on crosses”
Fourth top scorer in Ligue 1, tied with Rémois Balogun, Loïs Openda is aiming even higher. The “rule” – Openda scores, Lens does not lose – means a lot: the artesian collective and its striker depend on each other. One of the ultimate proofs? The Belgian international (8 caps) scored all of his goals in the game.
“This statistic shows that he moves well and that he has a good team around him, summarizes Laure Boulleau, consultant for Canal +. He plays fair, he has a good goalscoring instinct and often chooses the right area on crosses. We saw it again on Tuesday in Toulouse (1-0 win for Lens on a header from Openda). »
“Lens has an enormous ability to project itself into the corridors,” she continues. His calls and his game mesh well with that of his club. It has the characteristics that Lens is looking for. And he doesn’t forget the others either. “Three assists in addition to his goals, a point that also counts in the Lensoise epic.
“He knew how to get out of the negative mini-spirals”
“He reminds me of Jules Bocandé when he was in Metz and finished top scorer in the Championship (in 1985-1986 with 23 units), believes Didier Six, ex-French international (52 caps) and goalscorer for Lens. It’s even more technical. I find him very surprising, especially since he was little known in France. I find it insanely effective. »
He continues: “As a coach, we are always looking for this player who knows how to move and put the ball in the background. He benefits from the success that Lens has and he is in this positive dynamic. It’s the law when you find yourself second or third and you have all this adrenaline that carries you”.
Loïs Openda’s season is however not homogeneous and he has experienced periods without scoring (6 games between September 9 and October 22; 11 games between January 14 and March 4). But each time, when the goal came back, he showed up by three. A hat-trick against Toulouse (3-0) on October 28 and another in Clermont (4-0) on March 12. As if to evacuate all his frustration.
“He has a real personality, points out Laure Boulleau. He is very committed, puts a lot of energy, like his whole team. He was able to get out of these negative mini-spirals at the heart of the season and come back just as strong in the finish, it’s the perfect timing for Lens”.
Surrounded by a personal trainer, Siebe Hannosset, Loïs Openda works as much on her movements on the lawn as her lifestyle (sleep, meal, mental). Best Ligue 1 player in March, Openda is now aiming for a place among the top five players of the season, probably alongside Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi or Jonathan David.
“I know very well that I am capable of doing better than that”, assured this week the main interested party in the columns of The Team about his peak form. Adding that his current level of confidence allows him to “know how many goals” he will score when entering the field. All Lens hopes to see at least one Saturday night.
#LensMarseille #Loïs #Openda #crazy #efficiency #finisher #Sang
