Taking the mantle: Cameron Puertas stepping up for Union St Gilloise | OneFootball

There were certainly concerns when it was announced that Union St Gilloise captain Teddy Teuma would be leaving the club this summer. The midfielder was one of the sides best players and a talisman on the field. Replacing him seemed impossible. Fast forward a few weeks after Teuma left, Senne Lynen has also gone as the midfield looks completely reshaped. Yet on Saturday evening, Union grabbed their third win of the season as they hammered OH Leuven 5-1. In their opening three matches, one player has really stood out; 24-year-old Swiss midfielder Cameron Puertas.

Puertas has had to bide his time behind the likes of Teuma and Lynen in Brussels. Yet with both now gone, he is finally able to show what he can do. In three games this season he has scored twice and provided one assist, which was for the winning goal against Standard Liege on matchday two. He combines flair and an eye for goal with a fighting spirit, as he works tirelessly in midfield for the side. Last season, with most of his appearances coming from the bench, he still managed to grab five goals. He should certainly exceed that this season.

Alexander Blessin has put him in a position just behind striker Dennis Eckert and he is thriving. His diminutive stature and low centre of gravity make him hard for defenders to stop, as he is also strong. Against Leuven he was fouled four times, which included once in the box as the side won three penalties.

Every summer, Union’s top midfielders get taken by other clubs. If Puertas can keep up this level of play, expect him to be the latest to go next year.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson