Andréas Hountondji has become the pivotal figure for Standard Liège as they navigate the final stages of the Belgian first division playoffs.
The Beninese striker, who arrived on loan at the club, has quickly transformed into a key player, leading his team with decisive performances in a critical period for the club.
With just a few games left in the season, Hountondji has established himself as a hero for the Liège hopefuls, carrying the team’s hopes with his impressive displays.
Hountondji’s journey at Standard Liège began on a challenging note. After joining the club on loan, the 22-year-old initially found himself in a substitute role, waiting for his opportunity.
His early appearances were limited, but his persistence paid off when he scored against Westerlo on February 9.
This goal earned him a spot in the starting lineup for the next match against KRC Genk, marking a significant turning point in his season.
However, his place in the starting XI was short-lived, as he was soon relegated back to the bench.
Despite the setbacks, Hountondji maintained his focus and made the most of every opportunity he was given.
His consistency and determination eventually paid off when Standard Liège secured a spot in the playoffs, with the aim of qualifying for the Conference League.
In these high-stakes matches, Hountondji’s influence on the pitch became undeniable.
Over the course of six matches in the playoffs, Hountondji featured in five, starting in four of them.
While Standard Liège has faced challenges during this campaign, including struggling to secure a win, Hountondji has been the standout performer.
His contributions have been nothing short of vital for the club, and he has quickly become their most influential player during this crucial phase of the season.
In his five playoff appearances, Hountondji has scored three goals and provided one assist, demonstrating his clinical finishing and ability to make an impact in every match.
These statistics have elevated him to a central role within the team, and his presence has been felt in nearly every goal scored by Standard Liège.
Out of the five goals the club has scored in these playoffs, Hountondji has been involved in four—an impressive 80% contribution.
Notably, there have been two instances in the playoffs where Standard Liège has failed to find the back of the net.
In both of these games, Hountondji was absent, highlighting just how integral he has become to the team’s offensive efforts.
The only game where he wasn’t directly involved in a goal was the April 19 match against Westerlo, in which he was left out of the squad entirely.
While Standard Liège’s overall campaign in the playoffs has been challenging, with the team yet to secure a victory and still trailing the leaders by six points, Hountondji’s performances have been a silver lining. His consistency and ability to deliver in critical moments have been a source of hope for the club as they continue their push for a top spot.
Looking ahead, the Beninese striker will need to finish the season strong to help guide Standard Liège through the remaining games.
At the end of the season, Hountondji will return to Burnley, where he is contracted until 2028, but for now, he remains firmly focused on his role in securing a successful finish for his current club. His performances in the playoffs have shown that he is ready to be the hero Standard Liège needs to finish the season on a high.
