Introduction
Samuel Iling-Junior is a young English professional footballer who has been making waves in the football world. He is a versatile player who can play as a winger or wing-back, and he is known for his pace, skill, and attacking flair. Iling-Junior is currently on loan at Serie A club Bologna from Premier League club Aston Villa.
Early Career
Iling-Junior was born in Islington, London, on 4 October 2003. He joined the Chelsea academy at the age of eight and spent nine years with the club, progressing through the youth ranks. He was promoted to the under-19s at the age of 16.
Juventus
In 2020, Iling-Junior joined Juventus. He made his debut for the club’s U23 team in 2021 and quickly established himself as a key player. He also played a key role in the U19s’ run to the UEFA Youth League semi-finals in 2022.
Aston Villa
In 2024, Iling-Junior signed a four-year contract with Aston Villa. He made his Premier League debut for the club in August 2024.
Loan to Bologna
In August 2024, Iling-Junior joined Serie A club Bologna on a season-long loan. He has made a strong start to his time in Italy, scoring two goals in his first five appearances.
International Career
Iling-Junior has represented England at various youth levels. He was part of the England U17s squad that won the Syrenka Cup in 2019. He has also represented England at U19, U20, and U21 levels.
Style of Play
Iling-Junior is a skillful and exciting winger who is capable of beating defenders with his pace and trickery. He is also a good crosser of the ball and has a keen eye for goal. He is a versatile player who can also play as a wing-back.
Personal Life
Iling-Junior is of DR Congolese descent. He moved to Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic, which he found challenging. He has since become nearly fluent in Italian.
Career Statistics
As of 25 January 2025, Iling-Junior has made a total of 12 appearances for Bologna in all competitions, scoring two goals. He has also made 17 appearances for England at youth level, scoring two goals.
Honours
UEFA European Under-19 Championship: 2022
Additional Information
Iling-Junior is represented by CAA Base.
He is a left-footed player.
His shirt number at Bologna is 14.
He has been compared to former Chelsea and Juventus winger Eden Hazard.
FAQs
Who is Samuel Iling-Junior?
Born on October 4, 2003, in Islington, England, Samuel Iling-Junior is a professional footballer known for his versatility as a winger and wing-back. He began his youth career at Chelsea before moving to Juventus and is currently contracted with Aston Villa, playing on loan for Bologna in Serie A.
What positions does he play?
Iling-Junior primarily operates as a winger on either flank but has also been deployed as a wing-back. His adaptability allows him to contribute effectively in various attacking and defensive roles.
What clubs has he played for?
He spent nine years in Chelsea’s youth system before joining Juventus in 2020. At Juventus, he progressed from the youth ranks to the first team, making appearances in both Serie A and the UEFA Champions League. In July 2024, he transferred to Aston Villa and was subsequently loaned to Bologna for the 2024–2025 season.
Has he represented England internationally?
Yes, Iling-Junior has represented England at various youth levels, including the U15, U16, U17, U19, U20, and U21 teams. He was part of the England U19 squad that won the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2022.
What are his notable achievements?
During his tenure with Juventus, Iling-Junior won the Coppa Italia in the 2023–2024 season. Internationally, he secured the UEFA European Under-19 Championship with England in 2022.
Why did he leave Chelsea for Juventus?
In 2020, seeking greater opportunities for development, Iling-Junior declined an athletic scholarship from Chelsea and signed with Juventus, where he believed he could progress more rapidly.
How did his move to Aston Villa come about?
In July 2024, Aston Villa signed Iling-Junior from Juventus as part of a deal that also involved midfielder Enzo Barrenechea. This transfer was related to Douglas Luiz’s move from Villa to Juventus, although the transactions were separate.
Why was he loaned to Bologna?
To ensure regular first-team football and continued development, Aston Villa loaned Iling-Junior to Bologna for the 2024–2025 season. This move allows him to gain valuable experience in Serie A.
Has he played against Aston Villa while on loan?
Yes, due to UEFA regulations, loaned players can face their parent clubs in European competitions. Iling-Junior played against Aston Villa in a Champions League match while on loan at Bologna.
What are his career statistics?
As of January 12, 2025, Iling-Junior has made appearances for Juventus, Aston Villa, and Bologna, contributing goals and assists across various competitions. His detailed statistics can be found on his Wikipedia page.
To conclude
Samuel Iling-Junior’s journey from Chelsea’s youth academy to playing in top European leagues exemplifies his dedication and talent. His versatility on the field, combined with his international experience, positions him as a rising star in football. As he continues to develop, fans and analysts alike are keen to see how his career unfolds, anticipating significant contributions to both his club and the England national team in the future.
Samuel Iling-Junior is a talented young player with a bright future ahead of him. He is a skillful and exciting winger who is capable of causing problems for any defence. He is also a versatile player who can play in a number of different positions. Iling-Junior is still only 21 years old, but he has already shown that he is a player of great potential. He is sure to be a key player for Bologna this season and could also be a future star for Aston Villa and the England national team.
In conclusion, Samuel Iling-Junior’s journey from Chelsea’s youth academy to making his mark in European football exemplifies his talent and determination. His adaptability and consistent performances have made him a player to watch, with a bright future ahead in the footballing world.
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