Aston Villa find themselves in a strong seventh position in the Premier League table with nine points ahead of their match against Chelsea on Sunday. Despite disappointing performances in the Europa Conference League against Legia Warsaw and a heavy defeat against Newcastle United on the opening day, Unai Emery has managed to get his team playing some impressive football this season.
Emery’s preferred style of play involves pushing his team high up the pitch with intensity and pressing the opposition’s back four whenever possible. This approach sometimes leaves Villa vulnerable at the back, as shown by the 10 goals they have conceded. However, their attacking play is incredibly exciting.
One player who journalist Dean Jones believes has yet to reach his full potential is Leon Bailey. The 26-year-old Jamaican international, who joined from Bayer Leverkusen in 2021, has been inconsistent for Villa, and Jones suggests that if he doesn’t start performing, the club may consider selling him.
“This season is crucial for Leon Bailey to consistently deliver,” Jones stated in an interview with Give Me Sport. “If he doesn’t, it might be time for him to move on. Bailey always wants to be a significant part of something special, and being a bit-part player won’t satisfy him.”
Bailey faces tough competition at Aston Villa, as there are other players competing for the same positions on the pitch. Jones believes that the club will continue to recruit and improve, which will further increase the competition. Therefore, it is now up to Bailey to prove himself. Although Jones isn’t entirely convinced that he will become a key player for Villa, he acknowledges that Bailey has shown flashes of brilliance. Villa fans need to see these moments more consistently to be convinced of his abilities.
With Monchi now filling the role of president of football operations, Villa’s transfer strategy is likely to be ruthless. They won’t hesitate to sell underperforming players like Bailey, given Monchi’s track record of profitable business in the transfer market and his extensive network of contacts.
