Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur team defeated Newcastle United 4-1 last weekend, giving them a much-needed victory and restoring the early-season feel-good factor, after they had lost their previous five games.
The fact that the loss of record goal scorer Harry Kane to Bayern Munich in the summer hasn’t had the drastic effect that many had anticipated is a credit to the Australian’s tactical acumen and man management, which in particular has allowed him to get the best out of Heung-min Son.
Spurs are in need of a true striker as they lack attacking options after the injuries to James Maddison and Manor Soloman. The South Korean and occasionally Richarlison are currently filling this role.
Most recent Tottenham transfers: Lois Openda
Despite only joining RB Leipzig in the summer, Lois Openda’s performances have caught the attention of many major teams, including Spurs, as reported by the Mirror.
Premier League of Leipzig: lois-openda-rb
The Belgian is believed to be worth approximately £75 million, and the Lilywhites aim to increase competition for the center-forward position.
The Leipzig striker who scored a brace at the Etihad in the Champions League last month is reportedly also interested in signing with Manchester United.
The playing style of Lois Openda
Seb Stafford-Bloor, a European football writer, has called Openda’s speed and acceleration “terrifying.” In his debut season, the 23-year-old has exploded on the German and European scenes, tallying 10 goals in 14 league games and four assists.
It is evident from the FBref scouting report of the Belgium international that Openda does best when playing in front of goal, not always in possession or build-up. This is demonstrated by the table that follows.
Stats from Lois Openda Bundesliga
Statistics (per 90)
Accessible
The percentile
Snapshots
4.32
top 14%
Objectives
0.83
top 14%
completed passes
9.81
lower 2%
Pass keys
1.33
upper 34%
Feels
27.59
lowest 6%
Statistics by FBref.
The former Vitesse forward, whose elite box movement is reminiscent of Kane—who Openda obviously loves and has modeled parts of his game after—is the epitome of a true finisher, as you can see.
In fact, the forward said of the former Spurs player: “Harry Kane is among the best players in the world.” He is superior to me. However, that’s precisely what motivates me—I hope to reach his level eventually.”
This season, the forward has scored all of his goals from inside the penalty area, which could help Tottenham’s captain right now. In fact, Son would have more freedom to create and find the attacker, much like how Spurs scored their first two goals of the game last weekend.
The captain of the Lilywhites would start off on the left instead of in the central position he has played so far this season, but Postecoglou’s strategy is flexible and places positions ahead of players in the position.
In addition to his ability to score with both feet, his speed and threat on the counterattack with Son and Maddison feeding him would rank among the Premier League’s deadliest combinations. As evidenced by his 8.56 passes received per game this season, which places him in the top 6% in Europe, the 17-year-old will infuse Spurs’ offense with vitality and a relentless press in addition to his consistent out-ball play. He is undoubtedly aware of his location, which is excellent news for Spurs’ creative players.
In summary, Openda has the potential to be a season-changing acquisition for Spurs.
