Kevin Guitoun driving Sporting de Charleroi’s impressive Pro League start

Kevin Guitoun has emerged as one of the standout players in the Pro League after making an excellent start to the season with Sporting de Charleroi. The 30-year-old Algeria international was named the league’s player of the month for August and has become a key figure for the Zebres.

A flying start

Guitoun made an immediate impression after the Belgian league resumed, producing a series of assured performances at right-back. His form has coincided with Sporting de Charleroi’s perfect opening to the campaign, with the club winning each of its first four matches.

The defender has played an important part in that run. Operating with energy on the right side, he scored against Oud-Heverlee Leuven and Mechelen, while also providing an assist in the meeting with KV Kortrijk.

After six league matches, Guitoun has recorded two goals and two assists. Those are notable numbers for a defender and underline his influence on the team’s strong start.

More than a defender

Guitoun’s contribution extends beyond his direct involvement in goals. His willingness to attack and his ability to carry the ball forward have made him an important outlet for Sporting de Charleroi.

He is fourth in the Pro League for the number of crosses delivered since the start of the season. He also ranks fourth for progressive carries, a statistic that measures players’ ability to gain ground with the ball and break through opposition lines.

That combination gives Sporting de Charleroi a modern full-back who can repeatedly advance into attacking areas, create openings and provide an extra option in the final third.

A career shaped by setbacks

Guitoun’s route into professional football was not straightforward. He came through the academies at Valenciennes and Troyes but did not establish himself at the highest level and was forced to continue his development in amateur football.

His time in Belgium, first with UR La Louviere and then Olympic Charleroi, allowed him to maintain his ambitions. The breakthrough eventually came in 2022, when he made his professional debut with Bastia. He later played for Metz before joining Sporting de Charleroi.

Another significant moment followed in 2023, when he earned his first Algeria cap. Guitoun had hoped to be part of Algeria’s World Cup plans, but Vladimir Petkovic ultimately left him out despite circumstances appearing to favour his selection.

That disappointment does not appear to have weakened his resolve. At 30, Guitoun is making the most of the new season and strengthening his position as one of Sporting de Charleroi’s leading performers.

Sporting Charleroi will soon face Cercle Brugge in their seventh match of the Belgian championship.