The Belgian international forward has crashed home four goals in his first six Ligue 1 Uber Eats games, helping his new employers their most prolific Ligue 1 Uber Eats start since the 1985/86 season, when they finished fifth.

Openda: 'like a family'

"I've been so well received here," Openda, who joined from Club Brugge via a two-year loan with Vitesse Arnhem, told the Ligue 1 Show on beIN SPORTS. "The team has really welcomed me in. It's been easy for me because it's like a family here. I've felt at home straight away. That's why this is a special place. There's an incredible warmth here."

The new darling of the Stade Bollaert-Delelis arrives after scoring 18 goals in the Dutch Eredivisie last season. Fast and dynamic, the 22-year-old is striking up a superb partnership with the robust Florian Sotoca.

Watch: Openda opens his Ligue 1 account against Monaco

"He's very good at running in behind defences," explained Lens head coach Franck Haise. "He's worked so hard since he joined us, and he really listens to advice, so it's only natural that he's reaping the rewards."

Openda was especially pleased to score his first Ligue 1 Uber Eats goal against Philippe Clement's AS Monaco in Round 3, when les Sang et Or ran out 4-1 winners. In 2019, Monaco's Belgian coach - then at Brugge - decided he didn't want the forward.

Haise: 'can still improve'

"He's still a young player who is striving to improve," concluded Haise. "He knows there are certain little aspects of his game that he can still improve upon."

Openda is a perfectionist, though, and nobody is complaining. On Sunday, the Belgium international can help Lens extend their unbeaten run to 15 games if they avoid defeat away to FC Nantes.