Expert shares emphatic Leon Bailey prediction after what he’s seen at Aston Villa
Kevin Campbell has backed Leon Bailey to have a much better second season at Aston Villa after his injury-hit 2021-22 campaign.
The former Arsenal striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 24-year-old looked a “real threat” when fit and firing last term.
Bailey scored a powerful half-volley during Aston Villa’s 4-0 win against Walsall on Saturday (9 July) – their first game of pre-season.
The Jamaica international managed just seven starts during his first season in England – scoring once and assisting two more.
He cost a reported fee of £30million when he joined from Bayer Leverkusen last summer (2021).
As quoted by Birmingham Live (9 July), Steven Gerrard warned the winger that he “needs to see more” of his “fantastic” talent in the 2022-23 campaign.
Campbell backed the 24-year-old to “make a difference” at Villa Park if he is given ample opportunity to do so.
“He struggled with injury at times last season,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“For some players, it takes a bit of time to acclimatise to the English game. I’m sure after a good pre-season that he’ll be a lot better off this season.
“The few times I got to see him at Aston Villa last season, he looked a real threat and a real good player.
“He’s someone who can make a difference in that side – and I’m sure if he gets his opportunities that he’ll do just that.”
Bailey notched 15 goals and 11 assists in the season prior to sealing a move to Aston Villa.
The Midlands club finished 14th in the 2021-22 season despite spending big in the summer and winter transfer windows.
In other news, expert issues verdict on Lucas Digne axe at Aston Villa after £3.8m deal agreed.