Belgian Pro League Season Review: Union St Gilloise | OneFootball

Finish position: 1st

Overview:

After 90 years, Union St Gilloise finally won their 12th Belgian top flight title. The Brussels side have come close since returning to the top flight in 2021, but this year they finally overcame the play-offs. In his first season as head coach, Sébastien Pocognoli grew with the side after a rocky start. They were the best team in the post season when it mattered most, winning the title thanks to a fantastic defence that was complimented by some in form strikers.

Player of the Season: Kevin Mac Alister

While Promise David and Franjo Ivanovic could easily win this accolade, it seems fitting to give it to a defender. Union were fantastic at the back, and Kevin Mac Allister was a leading member of that defence. The 27-year-old from Argentina also chipped in with five goals as his no nonsense style of defending ensured Union only conceded a miserly 28 goals in 40 games.

Young Player of the Season: Noah Sadiki

It is easy to forget that Sadiki is just 20. The former Anderlecht man is an unsung hero at times in the Union midfield, as he does the dirty work in the engine room. Yet when you watch a Union game, Sadiki stands out as he often can dominate central areas. The young Congolese international has a really bright future ahead of him, whether in Belgium or abroad. He played an incredible 55 games in all competitions, with two goals and three assists.

Summer needs:

As always with Union, their season depends on how they replace players that leave. That may not be as much of an issue this summer, given that they have Champions League football to convince players to stick around for one more year. The side may want to add extra depth so they can continue to compete on all fronts, as they will not be entering Europe’s premier competition just looking to make up the numbers.

Grade: A

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson