Rafael Profini, No 5 by default: "I took my chance, now it's mine" | OneFootball

In Unión’s current moment, the rise of Rafael Profini is no minor detail. The youngster, who arrived from San José de la Esquina in 2020 to train as a center back, is now the heart of Leonardo Madelón’s midfield. After the departure of a leader like Mauricio Martínez, Profini stepped up and has not let go of his starting spot since.

Speaking with Unión Play (FM 91.1), the midfielder analyzed his tactical transformation, the team’s current form, and the self-criticism needed after the latest league setback.

The conversion: From the back line to the center circle

Profini’s path changed in 2025 because of a strategic decision by Leonardo Madelón. “There were a lot of center backs, so he started trying me out in midfield. I got my chance and made the most of it. Now I’m a number five, and I feel really good there,” the player admitted. This adaptation was no coincidence: his physical presence and reading of the game allowed him to take over a key position in the Tate’s system.

In that area of the pitch, he found an ideal partner in Mauro Pittón. Profini highlighted the importance of his teammate’s experience: “He helps me a lot, keeps me organized, and gives me instructions. If one of us goes forward, the other stays; lately he’s been giving me the freedom to push on a little more.”

Self-criticism after the blow and Unión’s “DNA”

Despite the good moment, the midfielder did not shy away from analyzing the recent defeat caused by a mistake on a free kick. “We watched it 200 times. There were a lot of mistakes in a single play, lapses we just can’t afford today because matches are decided by details,” he admitted honestly. For Profini, the team was superior, but paid a heavy price for its lack of concentration.

Even so, the midfielder fully trusts the group’s identity: “Physical intensity is the DNA of this young squad. We have to maintain that intensity until the end if we want to challenge at the top.” He also reassured the fans about his physical condition after a demanding run of matches: “It was just a minor issue, it’s already behind me.”

The path of hard work: From San José to the top flight

Profini’s story at the club is one of resilience. He was close to going out on loan when he was not getting minutes, but fate—and his performances in the youth ranks—kept him at the Tatengue. “You make a huge effort to be here. Scoring a goal in the top flight with your people there is what you dream of from the moment you arrive from your hometown,” he recalled emotionally.

Looking ahead to the Copa Argentina debut, the midfielder made it clear there will be no room for complacency: “We know every match is tough in that competition. We’re going to prepare for it with the importance it deserves.” With humility and a ceiling that still seems far away, Rafael Profini has gone from being an option to becoming the engine driving Unión’s hopes.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.