Villa fans torn after tough Leon Bailey season
Gerrard backs Reggae Boy’s talent despite frustrating injury problems
Published:Thursday | May 12, 2022 | 12:11 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
FOLLOWING HIS latest injury, word has surfaced that Aston Villa’s Jamaican winger Leon Bailey could be on the move at the end of the season.
Bailey, who missed nine weeks of football earlier this year because of a thigh injury, suffered his latest injury blow against Norwich last weekend, and some frustrated Villa fans are suggesting a move away from the club for the 24-year-old.
Some fans reacting to the forward’s first-half ankle injury against Norwich, lamented the player’s continued injury woes and some have posited that the club should consider moving him on.
“I did genuinely think Bailey would be a good signing. Probably best we move him on at this rate, though. I’m sure the club analysed everything for his medical and decided it was a risk worth taking, if we could keep him fit, but it’s just not worked out.” commented one fan.
Another stated that. “Sad to say it, but time to offload Bailey. Guy’s made of glass,” was another sentiment from a Villa supporter.
One fan feels the league is too hard for Bailey. “Not saying he can’t adapt, but is struggling so bad,” he said.
However, not all the fans hold those views, and some believe the club should persist with the talented winger a while longer.
“Terrific effort by Bailey (Norwich), shows what he can do, Needs to get himself properly fit during summer,” one fan stated
Another commented that “Bailey is starting to look the player we hoped he will be.” Another fan is hoping the player has a speedy recovery.
“Looked lively, comfortable on the ball and a phenomenal save by (Tim) krul (Norwich) to deny him. Hopefully it’s just some bruising and discomfort and he’s good to go next game,” he said.
Some weeks ago, it was reported that Bailey was considering leaving the club after one season, after he was largely overlooked by coach Steven Gerrard after returning from injury in March.
MATCH FITNESS
Bailey joined Villa from Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen for £25 million last summer, and, although his injuries and a lack of match fitness have seriously affected his first Premier League season, he has shown flashes of brilliance in brief cameo appearances.
He has featured in all five of Villa’s games leading up to the Norwich match last weekend but has only started four of the 18 league matches he has played.
Gerrard admitted that many at the club are growing frustrated by his injuries but he described the player as a ‘big talent’ who wants the opportunities to get into his stride. The coach believes there is much more to come from him.
“I’m really disappointed and frustrated for him, because he’s worked really hard to get back. He’s been training ever so well. He’s frustrated, we’re frustrated and I’m sure the supporters are as well. But we wanted to give him another opportunity to really try and keep him in the rhythm. I was pretty pleased with his performance last week. He should have scored. He might put that down to a lack of game time and rust and getting in the rhythm, but Leon is a big talent and we want to keep him moving, keep giving him game time and the opportunity get back in his own rhythm. We know that, when he is in that rhythm, he’s a top player,” the Liverpool legend commented.
Bailey, in a recent Instagram post, said it has been a tough season but he is not giving up. “This season has been tough but God gives the hardest battles to the strongest soldiers. The most important thing is to overcome all these obstacles in your way and never give up. That is what make you a solid/stronger individual. I want to say I really appreciate the love and support from everyone and I will be back soon,” it read.
Bailey has one goal and two assists this season. He made three Premier League starts from four games last time out, his best run this season, but missed the last game against Burnley and may not start another game this season after his latest injury.