10 October 2007, by Paulo Carvalho

Cristian Rodriguez happy to make big impact at Benfica

Uruguayan forward says his best is yet to come

Despite Benfica’s indifferent start to the season, a pleasant surprise for the fans has been the form of surprise signing this season, Cristian Rodriguez.

The Uruguayan joined Benfica very much an unknown quantity shortly before transfer deadline day on a season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain, but he has quickly established himself as the Eagles’ most impressive performer so far this campaign.

Rodriguez immediately made himself a staple in Jose Antonio Camacho’s starting XI. He works tirelessly throughout the full 90 minutes, is physically strong and has proved a potent attacking threat for the opposition with his powerful shooting and excellent crossing.

These assets go a long way to explaining why Rodriguez earned the nickname “The Onion” from Penarol fans in his homeland, for the way he reduces his opponents to tears.

The Uruguayan forward is proud of the impact he has made at the Estadio da Luz, but feels that he is not yet at his best and that he has much more to offer. “I don’t know if I am in the best form. In the second half against Leiria I felt a little tired,” explained the 22-year-old.

“But I am enjoying myself here. I would like to stay with Benfica because they are a good club, but we will see as this has to be handled by my agent.”

“I do like Benfica. They are a good team and I have good team-mates. There is a lot to learn and a lot of the championship to play.”

Time will tell if the Benfica brass decides to pull the trigger on long-term deal for the South American international, but if Rodriguez continues to impress as he has done to date, there is no reason why he cannot wear the number 26 shirt in the Portuguese capital for many seasons to come.