T&T’s Sancho believes in Bailey talent

FORMER TRINIDAD and Tobago defender-turned-analyst, Brent Sancho, believes Aston Villa and Jamaica winger Leon Bailey has all the tools for success despite a sub-par season for the English club and spotty performances for the national team.

“I certainly think he can improve on his performances and stay healthy. I think the talent that he has and the ability he possesses certainly will make him a fan favourite at Aston Villa. I think he has the tools necessary to be successful in the Premier League,” said Sancho.

Sancho’s comments have come on the back of stinging criticism from the Aston Villa faithful, who have, in the main, expressed doubts that the 24-year-old has the goods to hack it in the English Premier League.

One Twitter user named CoolRuler said: This is unreal, his first contribution for ages and he gets injured?

Tish169011: I feel disappointed as well for Leon, I really hope he takes this preseason to stay in the gym and work on building his muscles up, I ain’t up on him.

Ashley Jordan: Lot of money to spend on a player who is either injured or getting up to speed after an injury

The 24-year-old Bailey, who made the switch from the Germany-based team Bayer Leverkusen for a fee reportedly around £30 million, had an injury-riddled season for Villa which resulted in him playing only 18 matches, scoring one goal and assisting on two occasions.

Bailey made the switch to England after years of showing good promise for Bayer Leverkusen, a club he spent four years with, making 118 appearances and netting 28 goals.

It was at Bayer Leverkusen where Bailey made his UEFA Champions League debut on February 3, 2017 in a 1-0 defeat against Hamburg.

During his final season at Leverkusen, Bailey scored nine goals and dished out eight assists from 30 games while his team finished 12th in the 18-team table.

FIRST GOAL

The speedy winger, after years of being linked with clubs in England, gave the Steven Gerrard-coached team the nod and made his first appearance on August 14, 2021 in a 3-2 loss to Watford, The Jamaican International had to wait more than a month to register his first goal, which came against Everton in a 3-0 home victory.

Bailey does have one very important player in his corner, Gerrard himself.

“He’s arguably been our best trainer and I want to reward people like that. He’s doing it on a daily basis and I can’t ignore people who are showing me that they deserve game time. I’m sure with more game time, more sharpness and if more opportunities fall for him again, I’m sure he can help us move forward,” said Gerrard.

While speaking with Gleaner Sports, Craig Butler, adopted father and manager of Leon Bailey, said Bailey isn’t known for being injured often and so there should be a little leeway for the Aston Villa man.

“He is focused on making this season special for himself, the club and the fans. In 17 years of playing football, Leon has got three injuries. No need to panic. It’s important to give support as a club and as a nation to this dedicated footballer and role model.”

The new English Premier League season is set to kick off on August 6.

orane.buchanan@gleanerjm.com