Aston Villa idol issues '100%' Leon Bailey claim after key reveal
Gabby Agbonlahor has "100 per cent" backed Leon Bailey to step up for Aston Villa in 2022-23.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Aston Villa's record Premier League goalscorer claimed Bailey has to start the campaign "flying" or fans will soon become frustrated.
The Jamaica international started and scored in Villa's 4-0 win over Walsall on Saturday in their opening pre-season game.
As quoted by Birmingham Live after the game, Steven Gerrard claimed everyone at the club wants to see the 24-year-old "burst onto the scene" and fulfil his "fantastic" potential.
Asked whether he thought Bailey can do that next term, Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: "100 per cent.
"The Leon Bailey that we all saw at Bayer Leverkusen is a top, top player. He's quick, can score from anywhere, has a bullet of a left foot and can dribble.
"So, everyone who supports Aston Villa and all the coaching staff want to see him finally do it.
"They paid big money for him and he has to [step up]. There's a lot of competition for places in that team with the formation that Gerrard likes to play so he has to earn the right to start.
"He has to start the season flying otherwise everyone is going to get frustrated. We all know what sort of player is in there, he just has to show it now."
Bailey managed just 18 Premier League games, including seven starts, in 2021-22 as he struggled with injuries all season.
He moved to Villa Park last summer (2021) for a £30million fee under Dean Smith.