Hugo Cuypers grabbed his 14th league goal of the season at the weekend when he converted a 14th minute penalty away to Westerlo. This means that the 26-year-old Belgian has beaten his tally of 13 that he got last season for KV Mechelen in five less games. The former AC Ajaccio and Olympiacos man has also scored three goals in the Europa League for the Buffaloes during the 2022/2023 campaign.
Cuypers is the top scoring Belgian in the domestic league, with only 31-year-old Sint-Truiden striker Gianni Bruno being the other Belgian to reach double figures. Ironically, Bruno is on loan at the Canaries from Gent. It also puts Cuypers two goals behind Paul Onuachu, who has since left the league. If the striker can bring home the top scorers award at the end of the season then he could begin to see his name linked with a future spot in the Belgian national team.
Outside of Romelu Lukaku, the back-up striker position for the national team is open. Michy Batshuayi was the preffered option under Roberto Martinez, but now head coach Domenico Tedesco may want to look for alternatives. Lois Openda deserves more chances and Leandro Trossard can be used in the central striker role for tactical flexibility. However, like with Mike Tresor and Bryan Heynen, it would be good to see the national coach reward players who are performing well in the domestic league.
All Cuypers can do is keep on scoring and hope that the new Red Devils head coach is watching.
GBeNeFNÂ |Â Ben Jackson
