Aston Villa Winger Has Praise On Unai Emery Despite Being Deemed Down The Pecking Order

Aston Villa winger Samuel Iling-Junior has praised head coach Unai Emery despite being deemed down the pecking order by the Spaniard.

During the summer transfer window, the 20-year-old was involved in a complex deal that saw Douglas Luiz make the switch to Juventus.

Iling-Junior was one of two players – the other being Enzo Barrenechea – who moved in the opposite direction, neither of whom were viewed as immediate first-team players.

While Barrenechea was allowed to sign for Valencia on loan, Iling-Junior returned to Italy to link up with Champions League qualifiers Bologna.

The hope of all parties is that the wide player impresses sufficiently enough to return and challenge for a spot in the senior ranks in 2025-26.

“I appreciate honesty”

Having only signed for Bologna towards the back end of the market, Iling-Junior is yet to make a start, instead featuring three times off the substitutes’ bench.

However, as well as scoring on his debut against Como, he was presented with chances versus Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League and Monza in Serie A.

At his official unveiling this week, Iling-Junior commented on the decision to move to Bologna, accepting that it was the best move for this stage of his career.

As quoted by Tuttosport, he said: “I spoke to the manager and I understood that there wasn’t much space for me and since I appreciate honesty I preferred to look for a team where I could have more chances.

“Here in Bologna there is a great project, as I had already seen last year. In the summer I moved to Aston Villa then came the offer from Bologna, a city that I like with a manager that I respect and I decided to come here.

“I was already struck by the environment, the fans last year, and I liked it a lot.”

How is Barrenechea faring at Valencia?

Having spent last season on loan at Frosinone, Barrenechea is making a significant step-up in moving to Valencia.

Nevertheless, the 23-year-old has made an impressive start in La Liga, his two outings in the first XI contributing to four points being accumulated.

As well as a 2-0 triumph being posted against Girona, he featured in the goalless draw with Osasuna.