Agbonlahor tips Bailey to ignite at Aston Villa after ‘perfect’ behind-the-scenes reveal
Gabby Agbonlahor has suggested Leon Bailey may be ready to explode at Aston Villa after the winter break.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Aston Villa’s record Premier League goalscorer suggested the break gives Steven Gerrard the “perfect” opportunity to get Bailey up to speed with his methods.
As quoted by Birmingham Live on Sunday (23 January), Gerrard revealed the Jamaican is set to return to training over the break.
The Athletic reported on Friday (21 January) is planning to use the fortnight as a mini pre-season.
“It’s perfect,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider‘s Connor Whitley.
“He will look at the players who have played more minutes and give them more time off. Then he can get down to work.
“I’m sure by today (26 January), he’ll want the players back in and go through shape and drill that into them. The more you do it, the more you’ll remember it in a game.
“He’s going to use it as a chance to play a lot of practice matches. Managers love that because you can mix the teams up and play 11 v 11.
“It’s a great chance to get everyone up to speed, players like Leon Bailey. Now he’s almost ready to be back in training, get him up to speed and ready for the Leeds game.
“He will know, especially that Leeds game, there are some tough games played at a high intensity.
“He will want his players to be as fit as they can so he’ll make it an intense two weeks.
“I’m sure they’ll get the right rest too. Maybe it’s intense for three days and then two days off. There will be the right balance.”
Bailey featured in the first four games of Gerrard’s Villa Park reign but has been out with injury since the beginning of December.
The 24-year-old has a goal and two assists in nine Premier League games since his summer move.
In other news, Aston Villa are submitting an eight-figure formal bid for a star who is keen to sign.