Aston Villa: Viljami Sinisalo could act as backup for Emi Martinez next season
Viljami Sinisalo could become the number two at Aston Villa next season thanks to a sensational campaign on loan with Exeter City.
One of the first names on the team sheet for the Villans is Emi Martinez who has been sensational since signing in September 2020.
Robin Olsen has been the backup option for Unai Emery with the Swedish international featuring against Manchester City recently (3 April).
Joe Gauci joined in the January window but is yet to play a game for the club. An EFL loan could benefit the Aussie shot-stopper.
Olsen’s contract expires in the summer, so making the most of an academy prospect could be an ideal option for the club moving forward.
Should Viljami Sinisalo be in the Aston Villa first team next season?
Finland international Sinisalo is 22 now but has been with Aston Villa’s academy since he was 16 after joining from Espoo in his homeland.
He’s since been out on loan three times from Villa Park with Ayr United, Burton Albion and now Exeter.
The two-capped shot-stopper has come into his own as number one for the Grecians and has made 43 League One appearances so far. This campaign he has kept 13 clean sheets in that time and conceded 56 goals. This is as his side sits firmly midtable [FotMob].
His form has seen him become a firm fan favourite on the South Coast.
Sinisalo has also saved three penalties this campaign which is one of Martinez’s attributes which made him famous at the World Cup.
He has acted as a sweeper 18 times and has a 61.7 per cent pass accuracy. Although these don’t sound so impressive, Exeter doesn’t have an intent on passing play as much as Emery which would impact his stats.
Next season, Olsen is likely to depart the club or be reduced to very limited minutes. Sending Gauci out on loan for some English football experience and giving Sinisalo a go for the first team could be ideal for all parties.
In other Aston Villa news, a doctor has provided an injury worry for Ollie Watkins.
For more Aston Villa news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.