Millwall man hailed as one of the "best free transfers" - Ipswich Town fans will hold similar memories | OneFootball

Massimo Luongo praise after Saturday's game at The Den won't be surprising to hear for the Tractor Boys

Massimo Luongo has been hailed by Millwall supporters following his display in the Lions' 3-0 win over West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, in which he put in an assured performance in the middle of the park.

The Australian midfielder, who joined the South London club on a free transfer in July, played a pivotal role in what Alex Neil described as a performance that was “clinical in good moments” after their midweek disappointment against Coventry City.

Luongo played the full 90 minutes as he made 13 defensive contributions to help his side pick up the three points - the 33-year-old also won all four of his aerial duels.

Like his move to The Den, when Luongo re-joined the Tractor Boys in 2023, it was after his contract at Middlesbrough was cancelled by mutual consent - and he was later described by manager Kieran McKenna as something incredible.

Millwall fans unite in praise for Massimo Luongo's performance against West Brom

Social media was certainly flooded with praise for Luongo's contribution to the West Brom game - one supporter posted that the former Tottenham academy man will "go down as one of the best free transfers in recent times".

The plaudits continued to flow from the Lions faithful, with another fan highlighting Luongo's tactical importance to the team - noting how he makes space for Billy Mitchell to thrive.

This observation is a testament to how his game management has already seemingly changed Millwall's midfield since his summer arrival, which was backed up by somebody else.

"Play ya best players win games! All outstanding. Luongo is a massive player for us. What a unit," was another reaction to the midfielder's performance after the victory over the Baggies.

All in all, Luongo's composed display in midfield alongside the aforementioned Mitchell - who grabbed an assist - provided the platform for the Lions to create the chances that led to goals from Jake Cooper, Femi Azeez and Zak Sturge.

Massimo Luongo was named the "best free signing in football history" by Ipswich Town's Kieran McKenna

Perhaps the best place to start though - for why Town fans will hold similar memories regarding Luongo - comes from their former captain, Sam Morsy.

Ahead of the Australian's final game for Ipswich in May, Morsy described Luongo as "probably my favourite midfielder I've played with in my career" and claimed that "I don't think we would have got promoted without him for the League One campaign. The Championship campaign as well".

"He was brilliant and instrumental in what we done," Morsy added, talking about Luongo's presence alongside him in the engine room.

The similarities between the circumstances of both moves are striking then - in each case, Luongo arrived as a free agent and immediately transformed his new club's fortunes.

Also, Kieran McKenna's assessment of Luongo's impact at Ipswich after it was announced he'd be leaving, should provide excitement for what Millwall fans could continue to expect.

He stated that "if you wanted to look at up until this season in the Premier League, but points per game and win percentages, he might be the best free signing in football history."

From a tactical perspective, McKenna praised Luongo's "football IQ point of view and a game-feel point of view", describing him as "the best player I've worked with".

In total for the Suffolk outfit, Luongo scored five goals in 75 appearances across all competitions during his second spell at the club. He initially played for Town on loan between July and November 2012 from Spurs - but only scored once in eleven games.

Ultimately, just as Millwall fans are now celebrating the difference Luongo makes to their midfield, Ipswich supporters witnessed him form an exceptional partnership with Morsy that became vital for back-to-back promotions. He could now do the same with Mitchell or Casper De Norre as the Lions look to play in the Premier League for the very first time.