Champions League
Leipzig striker Poulsen relies on the Ronaldo effect
Yussuf Poulsen has been playing in Leipzig for more than a decade. photo
© Marius Becker/dpa
Yussuf Poulsen has regained his regular place at RB Leipzig. His goal tally in the Champions League is poor. But he points to one of the best players in history.
His meager goal tally takes away Yussuf Poulsen with humor and makes you sit up and take notice with remarkable statistics. “I think Cristiano Ronaldo also had zero goals in the first 25 games,” said the Danish international from RB Leipzig.
Poulsen means the record in the Champions League – and the superstar from Portugal only celebrated his goal debut in the 27th game. Poulsen himself currently has one goal in 30 games in the premier class.
Of course, his accuracy is not the reason why he has regained his regular place and will probably be in the starting line-up against Manchester City in the evening (9 p.m./DAZN). Poulsen is a fighter, runs after every ball and annoys opposing defenders with his robustness. “I’m happy that I’m fit again. It took a while to get back to this level,” said the 29-year-old.
The Dane, who has been playing in Leipzig for more than a decade, has had a period of suffering that lasted almost two years. A muscle was always pinching or the immune system was causing problems. In the summer, Poulsen was considered a candidate for sale, but his status as an identification figure saved him from being sidelined.
Talks about contract extension
And now? The prevailing topic is the extension of the contract, which runs until 2024. “The topic is currently being discussed. I’m keen on Leipzig,” said Poulsen. The signature is only a matter of time. Especially since the beefy attacker is placed next to the lively and accurate Lois Openda. Coach Rose appreciates Poulsen immensely for not being above doing any dirty work.
It is unlikely that Poulsen will improve his scoring record against City – but this will not be a success for the team, which has been unbeaten in seven games. “We are in the mode of playing top games,” said Poulsen. First the 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich, now we need revenge for the 0-7 loss against City in March. But it won’t work without suffering: “There will be phases in which we stand deep and chase the ball. We have to accept this phase and make it as short as possible.” To date, Ronaldo, who is now active in Saudi Arabia, has scored 140 goals in 183 games in the premier class.