Aston Villa goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo set for ‘incredible career’ with loan spell almost over
Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell has heaped praise on Aston Villa youngster Viljami Sinisalo for the work ethic shown during his loan spell in League One.
The 22-year-old Finland international joined the Grecians in July 2023 and has proven himself to be a top goalkeeper in the third-tier by keeping 13 clean sheets [FotMob].
While it has been an average season for the St James Park club, Sinisalo has made an impression across his loan spell and Caldwell has praised him while speaking on BBC Radio Devon, transcribed by BBC Sport.
He said: “He turned up at half-five at a gym at Newton Abbot and he was the first one there, after cancelling his holiday.
“I think that tells you everything you need to know about Vil, and I’m sure he’ll go on to have an incredible career.”
Could Viljami Sinisalo impact the Aston Villa first team?
Sinisalo has caught the imagination of Exeter fans while on loan down South in his third loan spell away from Villa Park.
In a previous spell with Burton Albion, he was only featured eight times, which could have been a dampener for him.
However, the Finnish ace didn’t let that affect him as he went back out on loan once again this campaign and has taken to it like a duck to water.
In 44 League One matches, Sinisalo has kept 13 clean sheets and conceded 57 goals.
What will catch Villa fans’ eyes is that he has saved three penalties out of the four that he has faced this season, reminiscent of Emi Martinez.
It is safe to say that he has a long way to go to match up to the quality of the Argentine but as a backup option, he could be valuable.
A loan move to a Championship side may be favoured but it may prove foolish if Emery lets him go permanently over the summer.
He at least deserves some minutes in preseason to try and prove himself in the Villa squad.
In other Aston Villa news, Alisha Lehmann could depart Aston Villa Women as three foreign clubs show interest.
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