Willam Rodrigues

Austria defender has already prevented five goals

Willy Rodrigues moved to Austria Lustenau in the summer, before that he played for FC Dornbirn.

(Bild: Austria Lustenau)

Lustenau defender William Rodrigues has played a big part in the fact that his team has conceded so few goals in League Two so far. The Brazilian has already made five saves for his beaten keeper Domenic Schierl.

In private, the Brazilian William Rodrigues is one of those reserved, quiet types and on the pitch he also impresses with his good positioning rather than loud commands. The 31-year-old has secured himself a permanent place in the Austria Lustenau back line in no time and forms the center-back duo with Leo Mätzler at the Bundesliga relegated team.

Willy Rodrigues (right) tidies up the Lustenau defense.

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

He was signed at short notice from FC Dornbirn in the summer following the loss of Matthias Maak. For Lustenau, however, he is also a real savior in other respects. In five games this season - against Horn, FAC, Kapfenberg, Ried and most recently against Hartberg - William saved in front of or on the line for his beaten keeper Domenic Schierl and thus prevented a goal against. This is one of the reasons why Austria have only conceded six goals in the championship. "At least I never used my hand," he says with a grin, taking a sideways glance at his team-mate Abdullah Baallal. He had made a goalkeeper-style save against SW Bregenz and saw red for it.

Veteran William has a good eye for the situation, is excellent at reading a game and provides great stability. The Brazilian is also set for Saturday's home game against Amstetten. The third game in eight days doesn't bother him. "I'm not tired, I feel fit. And I love playing and being on the pitch." The family man does have one wish: "That we finally get our first home win."