The loan system can be fruitful for some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.
Allowing younger talent to head out to the Championship can see them return ready to impact top-flight proceedings.
Villa currently have the likes of Sebastian Revan, Ben Chrisene and Louie Barry out on loan in the English Football League.
Another player who is also plying his trade in the Championship is Lino Sousa. The 19-year-old was signed during the January window and immediately loaned out to Plymouth Argyle.
Initially, this looked like a good fit for all concerned.
“Lino is somebody that I’ve known for a while,” said Argyle Head Coach Ian Foster.
“I’ve always been excited by his performances at Arsenal and with the England development teams. He’s a really exciting player with huge potential and I think you can see why the likes of Arsenal and Aston Villa have taken him.
“He’ll come in, in competition on the left-hand side of the pitch. He’s got a lovely left foot; he’s athletic; he can handle the ball in tight areas; he can defend in 1v1 situations and he’s good in the final phase as well.”
However, things haven’t entirely gone to plan thus far.
Sousa has started just two games for The Pilgrims: the 2-2 with Coventry and the 3-0 loss to West Bromwich Albion.
During the loss to the Baggies, he was hauled off with 30 minutes still to play. With five bench appearances, the left-wing-back is averaging just 21 minutes a game for the Pilgrims thus far.
Considering he arrived with an excellent reputation, having been part of Arsenal’s youth system, he would have been expected to perform at a higher level for Foster’s side.
Between now and the end of the season, the 19-year-old will be desperate to get more minutes under his belt.
With Lucas Digne and Alex Moreno both beyond 30, the former Arsenal youngster could see first-team opportunities at Villa Park.
Improvement is required between now and the end of the season for him to be considered a genuine left-back option in the West Midlands.
The early signs are far from promising.
