Rafael Profini, a natural No 5: «I took my chance and own the role» | OneFootball

At present at Unión, the emergence of Rafael Profini is no minor detail. The youngster, who arrived from San José de la Esquina in 2020 to develop as a center back, is now the centerpiece 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 discussed his tactical transformation, the team’s current form, and the necessary self-criticism 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 as a midfielder. I got my chance and made the most of it. Now I’m a No. 5, and I feel very good there,” the player confessed. This adaptation was no coincidence: his physical work rate and reading of the game allowed him to take over a key position in the Tate’s system.

In that area of the field, 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 back; lately he’s been giving me the freedom to push on a bit more.”

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

Despite the good spell, 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 in concentration that you just can’t have nowadays because matches are decided by details,” he admitted sincerely. For Profini, the team was superior, but paid dearly for its lack of focus.

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 to compete at the top.” He also reassured the fans about his physical condition after a demanding run of games: “It was just a minor issue, it’s already passed.”

The path of hard work: From San José to the first team

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 put in a lot of 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 relaxation: “We know every match in that competition is tough. 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 stopped being just an option and become the engine driving Unión’s hopes.

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