New Delhi: Romelu Lukaku has proved in the past that on his day, he can be one of the most lethal strikers in the world, but lately he has looked poor in front of the goal as this Euro campaign saw him squandering a numerous chances in the group stage matches. Belgium had the worst possible start to their Euro campaign when they faced a frustrating defeat against Slovakia, but above all, it was their all time top scorer Lukaku who added further misery by missing some big chances in the game that could’ve sealed a victory for the Belgians.
COLOGNE, GERMANY – JUNE 22: Romelu Lukaku of Belgium reacts during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Belgium and Romania at Cologne Stadium on June 22, 2024 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
In the match against Slovakia, Lukaku missed numerous big chances and that was the case from the very start of the game when he had a brilliant chance to put Belgium ahead in just the third minute. However, the Belgian striker took the shot straight at the Slovakian Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka who made a brilliant one-on-one save to keep him from scoring the opener.
He squandered another big opportunity after Carrasco played a wonderful floated pass to find him in a one-on-one situation against Dubravka but his touch was poor after he couldn’t control the ball and it went beyond the keeper for a goal kick. Lukaku was unlucky enough to see two of his goals getting disallowed by VAR and eventually, Belgium lost that game 1-0 after the final whistle blew.
Even against Romania, Lukaku thought he had scored to put Belgium 2-0 up after Tielemans gave them a crucial lead, but Lukaku’s goal was soon disallowed after he was found offside. However, it was a much-improved performance by the Belgian striker and above all it was a good result for Belgium, as they won the match 2-0.
Nonetheless, The concerns still remain, as once one of the best strikers in the world who looked absolutely lethal in front of the goal with his physicality and killer instinct, now looks like the most frustrating player on the pitch missing the majority of the opportunities that he gets.
Should Tedesco consider playing Openda over Lukaku?
FRANKFURT, GERMANY – JUNE 17: Lois Openda of Belgium disappointed during the EURO match between Belgium v Slovakia at the Deutsche Bank Park on June 17, 2024 in Frankfurt Germany (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)
There is no harm in taking a risk, playing a less experienced player over the team’s all-time top scorer, but the only problem that Lois Openda might face if he starts the game against Ukraine is the fact that he has very little experience and hasn’t really had an impact on the Belgian side in any of his 18 appearances for them.
Openda has proved himself as a phenomenal goalscorer after a wonderful season at RB Leipzig where the 24-year-old striker scored a total of 24 goals and made seven assists throughout the Bundesliga campaign. His strength, ability to hold on to the ball and finishing instinct makes him one of the contenders for the future Belgian stars as he has been prolific at the age of 24 and looks to continue his wonderful goalscoring form.
He looks ready to start more matches for Belgium but manager Tedesco needs to put his trust in the talented centre forward as the only way to ensure that he reaches his full potential is by giving him more time on the pitch. Since Lukaku is not having the best time on the pitch, this might be the right time to replace the big Belgian forward by playing the RB Leipzig man as a centre-forward alongside Doku on the left and Trossard on the right.
There are certain other tactics that could help Tedesco make the most out of Openda’s ability. He can shift him up front as a second striker alongside Lukaku, a role Openda is very much familiar with after playing alongside Benjamin Sesko in a similar position at RB Leipzig. This can provide Lukaku with a helping hand at the moment as he looks underconfident with every move that he makes on the pitch.
FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY – JUNE 17: Romelu Lukaku of Belgium celebrates scoring with Lois Openda before the goal is disallowed by VAR during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Belgium and Slovakia at Frankfurt Arena on June 17, 2024 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.(Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
It can prove out to be a massive factor as Openda’s speed and acceleration would blend in perfectly with Lukaku’s physicality and ability to hold the ball. Adding the support might do wonders for both the Belgian forwards but to do that, they have to play with a different formation where they will have to drop one of the current starters instead of Lukaku.
Belgium have maintained a reputation of being one of the best attacking sides in Europe, scoring goals for fun and Lukaku has always been the main man for them. If Openda starts against Ukraine, the 24-year-old would have a lot of pressure on his shoulders as he would have to make the most out of this opportunity and try his very best to match the standards set for the Belgium football team.
However, Tedesco has a decision to make as Belgium face Ukraiane in a must-win final matchday group stage clash. The result determines who will qualify for the next stage of the Euro 2024 campaign. Although the chances look slim for Openda to start the match, it won’t come as a surprise if Tedesco decides to put his name in the starting eleven.
Romelu Lukaku isn’t having the best season and recently he has faced a lot of criticism by the pundits and the fans for his poor performances for Belgium in Euro 2024. Manager Domenico Tedesco can give Lois Openda a chance to prove himself amid Lukaku’s woes in front of the goal. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
