“I Think We Can Bring Out The Best In Him” – Jay Robinson Impresses On First AC Monza Start | OneFootball

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Southampton loanee Jay Robinson earned his first start for AC Monza on Tuesday night – and made quite the impression.

They travelled to Torino for the Coppa Italia round of 32 and eventually won the away tie 1-0.

The 19-year-old enjoyed a 76-minute outing for the Italian side, completing the most dribbles (4) on the pitch and picking up the most touches in the opposition box (9).

Ivan Jurić on Jay Robinson

Former Southampton manager Ivan Jurić took the reins at AC Monza in the summer, making plenty of signings as they prepare for survival in Serie A. The Croatian head coach saw Robinson first-hand during Southampton training, giving him a close-up view of the youngster’s potential.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Jurić revealed he was very pleased with the Southampton loanee’s display:

“Jay [Robinson] is a very young kid. He’s still far from his potential because he is still physically developing, but he played a great game today.

“He couldn’t play in the Championship at Southampton, but here I think we can bring out the best in him.”

Despite seeing him in training, Ivan Jurić didn’t actually give Jay Robinson his senior debut at Southampton. It was interim manager Simon Rusk. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Last season, Robinson accumulated just 881 league minutes. Despite showing promise and obvious capabilities on the ball, he lacked the physicality to truly flourish.

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A loan move to Serie A could prove vital for his development this year as Jurić pointed out. Southampton Technical Director Johannes Spors reiterated this ahead of the loan move:

“We have responsibility for the development of his career, and I think we can see that he did not really get enough minutes last season, or not the minutes that he needs to really make the next step, and there is a chance now for him in a very good level, in a top five league, in the Serie A, to get more minutes.

“Also to get this experience. To go to a different environment, a different country. I have been in Italy. I know what it means. I’m very sure that he will grow in his personality and also in his skills on the pitch, and then we want to develop his long-term career.

“We all believe that he comes back in a strong shape.”

The Englishman won 10/14 ground duels against Torino, emphasising the defensive work needed under Jurić. He won four tackles alongside three recoveries too. As much as he’s capable in possession, his work without the ball could be the biggest improvement after a season in a pressing system.

Robinson’s best moment of the night came when he dribbled progressively, cut inside onto his right and whipped a shot that looked destined for the top-right corner, only for it to smash the inside of the post and bounce back out. Even he thought it was going in, as he initially started shifting his body to celebrate before the ball came back off the woodwork.

To get the definitive local take, here is what Stefano Peduzzi, Director of Monzanews, said to me on Robinson’s first start:

“He was one of the best players on the pitch. He played a truly great game, hitting the post and playing like a god!”

For Jay Robinson, the early signs are certainly encouraging.

A first start, a strong individual display and the backing of Jurić could provide the platform he needs while gaining the regular first-team minutes that were difficult to come by at Southampton.

If his performance against Torino is anything to go by, Monza could prove to be a vital step in the 19-year-old’s development.