Bundesliga: Rose Highlights Openda's "Added Value" After 2-1 Win Against Heidenheim 🏀🇧🇪
Marco Rose, RB Leipzig's head coach, showered praise on Loïs Openda for his fantastic form in the Bundesliga. The Belgian international, who joined the Saxons for €40 million, has performed exceptionally well and has filled the void left by the sale of top scorer Christopher Nkunku to Chelsea FC.
In the recent 2-1 victory against 1. FC Heidenheim, Openda once again demonstrated his prowess, scoring a penalty to give Leipzig the lead in the 13th Bundesliga match of his career. With 10 goals under his belt, Openda is proving to be a valuable investment for RB Leipzig, showcasing his exceptionalś ability and potential.
Rose emphasized the importance of details, first contact, and positioning in Openda's game, expressing his delight in the Belgian international's progress. "He's so uncomfortable to defend against and makes so many runs, he's so strong with his low center of gravity, and runs away from opponents," said Rose.
The Saxons struggled to solidify their lead against Heidenheim, squandering numerous chances. Despite the team's current challenges in converting opportunities, Rose remains optimistic, confident that a concentrated, collective effort will lead to better results.
Meanwhile, Frank Schmidt, Heidenheim's head coach, expressed his respect for Leipzig's dominance in the match but voiced his concerns over the penalty decision that led to the first-half lead. "I think the referees also know it's not easy to referee games, but when I see the penalty today, I just have to say it wasn't a penalty," said Schmidt.
The game between RB Leipzig and 1. FC Heidenheim was an entertaining, nail-biting encounter, showcasing the strengths and weaknesses of both teams. With Openda delivering consistently impressive performances and Leipzig striving for improvement, the Saxons are bound to leave their mark on the Bundesliga.
Additional Insights
Openda's contributions to the RB Leipzig team have been significant in the Bundesliga. Apart from his impressive 10 goals and 3 assists in just 21 appearances, Openda has also demonstrated versatility, playing various roles in the attacking third. For instance, he created chances and took several shots against Augsburg, despite a goalless draw.
In the recent 4-2 victory against Werder Bremen, Openda scored one goal and contributed to another, further underlining his impact on the team. As per analysis, Openda's ability to fill Nkunku's shoes has been crucial in maintaining RB Leipzig's attacking prowess, making him an invaluable addition to the squad.
Meanwhile, Openda's versatility has allowed the Saxons to adapt their strategy in the wake of Nkunku's departure. Openda's contributions have been part of a broader team effort, as the team continues to work towards making a mark on the Bundesliga.
Despite Openda's outstanding performances and the team's overall progress, it's essential to remember that the season is far from over, and the Saxons face numerous challenges ahead. With rivals like Bayer Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and FC Chelsea eyeing young talents and putting up a stiff competition, RB Leipzig needs to remain focused, work together, and continue to perform at their best.