World Cup bound Kevin Rodriguez finally delivering in the Belgian Pro League | OneFootball

It has taken three years, but it appears that we are now seeing the best version of Kevin Rodriguez. The Ecuadorian forward had only scored five goals in two seasons at Union St Gilloise since joining in 2023. In eight games so far this season, the 25-year-old striker already has four goals in just eight games. Rodriguez is more than likely going to go to his second World Cup at the end of the season, and if he keeps this up, he will be going into the tournament in fine form.

Union have, for years now, been the best recruiting team in the Belgian Pro League. The side picked up Rodriguez from Independiente del Valle at the start of the 2023/2024 season. However, the forward was not needed to step up immediately. That year, Mohamed Amoura scored 18 league goals to lead the side, while Gustaf Nilsson grabbed 16. Rodriguez scored four, and when Nilsson left there was an opportunity for him to step up. However, he was unable to do so, with just one goal in 2024/2025. For Union, they were fortunate that summer signing Promise David filled the shoes left by Nilsson, while Franjo Ivanovic filled in for Amoura.

Yet Ivanovic has gone, and David has struggled with fitness to start the season. Thankfully for Union, Rodriguez has really stepped up. This past weekend he scored in the 87th minute to win the game against Dender, coming off the bench to replace David. Rodriguez now leads the entire league with four goals, and on the pitch he looks far more confident in himself and his ability. The Ecuadorian is physically imposing but does possess some finesse as well. Union have always like to pair up a tall physical forward with a smaller more agile player, but Rodriguez and David may well be deployed by Sebastien Pocognoli at points this season to really bully defenders. Alongside Austrian Raul Florucz, the trio look set to be a scary prospect for Pro League defenders this season.

Rodriguez now has a great chance to really prove himself as Union begin their Champions League campaign this week against PSV. Most players want to test themselves at the very top and featuring in the Champions League will really help Rodriguez prepare for the World Cup with Ecuador.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson