Aston Villa: 'Exceptional' £25m star could become 'in demand' at Villa Park | OneFootball

Aston Villa star Leon Bailey could go on to become one of the most in-demand wingers in the Premier League, believes journalist Josh Holland.

The Jamaica international has had his difficulties this season, but Holland still thinks he can come good.

Why has Bailey struggled at Villa?

Much was expected from Bailey, who was once hailed as “exceptional” by Ronald de Boer, after he joined in a £25m deal from Bayer Leverkusen last summer to help fill the gap left by Jack Grealish.

However, injury has really disrupted the 24-year-old’s debut campaign in England. As a result, he has made less than 10 starts for the Villans, which is disappointing.

The dismissal of Dean Smith, the manager who brought him to the club, would not have helped his settling-in process, either.

Nevertheless, still just 24 and only into his first season in the Premier League, there remains plenty of time to turn things around should Steven Gerrard keep him in his squad.

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What has Holland said about Bailey?

If Gerrard does indeed retain Bailey beyond this summer, Holland thinks Villa have the chance to develop the former Leverkusen star into a winger everyone wants.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the football journalist said: “Everyone knows his quality. Previously, he was being linked with top-four clubs. When Villa bought him, it was a bit like, ‘Wow, Villa mean business.’

“So if they can get him going and get him playing well, then it won’t be long until he’s one of the most in-demand Premier League wingers.”

Should Gerrard give Bailey any more opportunities?

Yes, and it is definitely not out of the question, with the Villa manager quite clearly liking a lot of the player’s attributes.

“Speed, one-vs-one ability to beat an opponent. Leon, when he comes back, we want him to think like a creator and a scorer. You’ve seen it in flashes,” Gerrard was quoted as saying by Birmingham Live back in February when asked what can Bailey bring to the team.

“He’s a fantastic player and we need to see more of it,” the Liverpool legend later went on to add.

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Do you know this obscure Aston Villa footballer from the 2000s?

Didier Agathe Michael Standing Neil Cutler Stuart Taylor

His last season at the BayArena was truly impressive after he came up with over 20 goal contributions in all competitions for Die Werkself. If given more time, then perhaps the ex-Genk man could eventually replicate that kind of form at Villa Park.

All in all, it would probably be unwise for Villa to give up on Bailey, who has talent and may just need a run in the team to get back to his best again.