Club Brugge legend Marc Degryse has slammed Raphael Onyedika's ‘outrageous' performance during Club Brugge's 2-1 win over KVC Westerlo last Saturday.
The Nigeria international, who missed Club Brugge's last game before the international break due to suspension, was included in the starting XI by manager Nicky Hayen.
He quickly justified the manager's trust by assisting the opening goal in the 4th minute—his first of the season in the Jupiler Pro League—setting up Jorne Spileers, who struck the ball from distance into the back of the net.
After Hans Vanaken extended the lead for the Belgian champions, Onyedika committed a significant error that enabled Westerlo to narrow the two-goal deficit.
The 23-year-old midfielder misplayed a pass to goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, who was unable to reach the ball in time and ended up fouling the Westerlo attacker in the penalty area.
Degryse on Onyedika: ‘He could have been subbed after 20 minutes'
Onyedika was substituted in the 82nd minute for Hugo Vetlesen, but the Nigerian midfielder reacted angrily to the decision, visibly dissatisfied with being taken off.
Degryse not only highlighted Onyeka's lacklustre play but also took issue with his reaction to being substituted.
“On Saturday in Westerlo I found his performance to be outrageous. It was just over the top. So nonchalant. I know coaches who would have replaced Onyedika after twenty minutes,” he said in commentary relayed by Voetbalbelgie.
“I think a coach or even a board should make it clear to Onyedika that a match like this at Westerlo was unacceptable. And then he was still angry when he was substituted. I have never seen anything like that from a player who plays in the ‘6' position,”
In addition to his assist, Onyedika recorded 56 touches during the game, completing 35 out of 42 passes accurately. He also had one shot off target, one shot blocked, won four out of eight ground duels, and secured one out of two aerial duels, while losing possession ten times.
