Aston Villa news: Leon Bailey is ‘the one’ as Steven Gerrard set for double boost – pundit
Gabby Agbonlahor has insisted Aston Villa have been handed a major boost as Leon Bailey nears a return to full fitness.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Aston Villa’s record Premier League goalscorer delivered his verdict after Steven Gerrard revealed Bailey is back in full training.
As quoted on the club’s website on Tuesday (8 February), Gerrard revealed the winger was back in training but was not ready for the 3-3 draw with Leeds United yesterday (9 February).
Villa are also set to welcome back Bertrand Traore this weekend too after he captained Burkina Faso to a fourth-place at the Africa Cup of Nations.
“Traore has done well at AFCON but Leon Bailey is the one, he stands out for me,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“Watching him at Leverkusen, he was very good there. He just adds competition for places.
“If Buendia or Coutinho are having an off game you have the chance to throw Bailey or Traore on, Chukuewemeka as well.
“There are loads of players there who are putting pressure on the players in the starting XI.
“That always helps, when there are players there waiting to take your place, you’re going to want to perform even more.
“The manager will not be afraid to take players off after 60 minutes if they are not performing.”
Bailey has not featured for Villa since hobbling off with a thigh injury in the 2-1 loss to Man City at the beginning of December 2021.
The Jamaica international, 24, has a goal and two assists in nine Premier League games this term, including four starts.
In other news, there has been a big update on Aston Villa signing Philippe Coutinho on a permanent deal.