Title: Lois Openda's Penalty Dilemma: Referees Take Notice
Frank Schmidt, the coach of Heidenheim, voiced his disapproval after a recent encounter with RB Leipzig's star striker, Lois Openda. The Belgian's attempt to score indirectly ended up hitting a defender, which Schmidt deemed a clear foul. Despite the referee's different interpretation, Openda had faced similar scrutiny just a week prior in Wolfsburg, where a VAR intervention resulted in a yellow card for a foul.
Openda's Unfortunate Fortune
Openda has managed to gain the unwanted title of one of the most fouled professionals in the Bundesliga. In 13 matches, he's been fouled 27 times. Only Julian Palacios and Marmoush have faced more fouls during this period.
The Cheeky Striker's Controversial Tactics
Openda's on-field antics, including penalty provocation and expectations of yellow cards for opponents, don't sit well with the referees. This is an area for concern moving forward, as the officials will likely pay closer attention to potential fouls in the coming games.
Coach Marco Rose recognized Openda's skill-set, acknowledging that he adds significant value, both on and off the ball. The Luxembourgish coach emphasized Openda's elusive movements, strength, low center of gravity, and his ability to evade defenders.
Although some sources refer to Openda as the first Bundesliga striker known for his penalties and foul demands, these claims do not directly address how these behaviors have impacted his relationships with referees. Nonetheless, his distinctive playing style has captivated the attention of soccer fans worldwide.
Enrichment Insights
While sources do not specifically address Openda's penalty provocations and foul demands, they do emphasize his role in RB Leipzig's dominance in the first Bundesliga. Additionally, they highlight the difficulties he faces in terms of fouls congratulated by the referees, which might be a consequence of his elusive playing style and provoking behavior. Openda's ability to influence the game is notable, with his teammate Andre Silva hailing him as a crucial component of their success.
