On deadline day, sports witness Covered the loan of Aston Villa player Samuel Illing-Junior to Pisa. This came after he spent the first half of the season on loan at West Bromwich Albion.
In the championship, the winger played 24 times and scored one goal. Although he did not contribute many goals, the Englishman was a regular.
He started each of the Baggies' final four games before his surprise departure. It was the first time in some time that he got regular minutes.
Now, it seems the decision to leave Aston Villa on a second loan is paying off.
Aston Villa player praised
Iling-Junior made his debut for Pisa against AC Milan on Friday. He came off the bench to play 33 minutes and made a real impact.
It was noted NationWho saw some 'very positive things' from the attacker. Despite not starting, he was one of the bright spots in the 2–1 defeat, as Pisa almost equalized the game.
Coincidentally, his Pisa debut came against Max Allegri, who had given Iling-Junior his debut during his time at Juventus.
Against the Rossoneri, he showed his blistering pace and worked reliably in tight spaces. This helped Pisa to hold Milan during counter-attacks.
There is a belief that manager Oscar Hiljemark could give the 22-year-old a start against Fiorentina.
A big opportunity for Pisa Illing-Junior
Last season, the winger spent two separate loan spells at Middlesbrough and Bologna. For the Serie A team, he only played 117 minutes in the league. In the Championship, he made 16 appearances but was never able to produce consistent performances.
This was also the situation at West Brom at the start of this season and that is why this is a huge opportunity for Pisa Illing-Junior to really prove himself.
Expectations will be low from Bologna Magic, especially since Pisa is struggling for survival. If he makes significant contributions in such a situation, his stock will naturally rise.
This would net Aston Villa a large fee from any future sale.
