Plymouth Argyle manager Ian Foster insists that the potential of Aston Villa loanee Lino Sousa is there for everyone to see and that is the reason why clubs such as Arsenal and the Villans have invested in him.
When the Arsenal academy graduate joined the Villans on a permanent deal, he was immediately sent out on loan to the Championship club, joining them until the end of the season.
Sousa, who was born in Portugal but represents England at youth international level, turned out for Arsenal’s Under-21 side this season.
At Plymouth, his new parent club Aston Villa will hope that he will get enough chance to gather some all-important first-team experience in the Championship.
Referring to Sousa’s impressive upbringing at a top club like Arsenal, Foster insisted that there is a reason why such faith has been shown in his potential.
“Lino is somebody that I’ve known for a while”, Foster told his club’s official website.
“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.”
The left-back has now made two appearances in the Championship for Plymouth, featuring against Swansea City and Sunderland.
