Loïs Openda has been named the Eredivisie Player of the Month for May. In the last three matches of the season, the Vitesse forward was the best-performing player according to the statistics and football fans’ votes
Excellent month
Loïs Openda can look back on an excellent month. The 22-year-old forward secured sixth place in the Eredivisie with Vitesse by winning at Fortuna Sittard (1-2) and playing a draw against Ajax (2-2) in the last match. The Belgian scored three goals, bringing his total to eighteen Eredivisie goals. In addition, in May no player shot more at the goal than Openda (7), he recorded the second-most ball contacts in the enemy penalty area (25) and was twice named KPN Man of the Match.
For the Liège-born forward, the icing on the cake came this week: he was called up for the first time for the Red Devils’ four Nations League matches early next month. Loïs Openda: ,,It is always nice to be appreciated for your hard work and achievements. It was also one of my goals to win this monthly prize. I have the feeling that I have been close a few times and am therefore extra happy that I succeeded in May. It is also a wonderful month for me, with many goals, several prizes and my debut in the Belgian squad. Despite yesterday's defeat, I also hope to end the season in style, by achieving European football again with Vitesse."
Openda succeeds Ødegaard as monthly winner
Loïs Openda is the second Vitesse player to win the Eredivisie Player of the Month award. Previously, Martin Ødegaard (currently playing for Arsenal FC) won the monthly award in April 2019. In addition to the prize, the Vitesse forward also received an upgraded Eredivisie Player of the Month card in FIFA 22. This card will be available in the game at 7:00 p.m. tonight.
About the voting
The Eredivisie Player of the Month and Johan Cruijff Talent of the Month Awards are based on statistics (StatsPerform) and votes from football fans, cast via the KPN Man of the Match vote (ESPN). These elements - along with votes from the 18 captains and 18 coaches - also count towards the Eredivisie Player of the Year and Johan Cruijff Talent of the Year Awards, which are presented during the Eredivisie Awards at the end of the season 2021/22.
The Eredivisie Player of the Month vote is an initiative of the Eredivisie CV in collaboration with ESPN and EA Sports. The Johan Cruijff Talent of the Month is an initiative of the Eredivisie CV, ESPN, Johan Cruyff Foundation and VriendenLoterij (Friends Lottery).