View: Central striker role could see Leon Bailey thrive for Aston Villa
Leon Bailey has had a stop-start career at Aston Villa thus far with changes in the dugout, injuries and poor form hampering the Jamaican international.
Considering the difficulties Villa have faced in the 2022/23 season, Bailey has actually been one of Villa’s more productive players with five goals and three assists in all competitions.
Now with the appointment of Unai Emery, the 25-year-old will be hoping for a little bit more consistency when it comes to the position he is operating in.
Against Manchester United, (Sunday 6 November) Bailey was in electric form whilst operating in a more central position. His pace caused United genuine problems in behind and meant Erik ten Hag’s side were disjointed, with their backline unsure whether to play high and press or sit deep to contain Bailey.
The Jamaican’s opening goal came from him taking up a central position before exploiting the space in behind United’s back line.
Furthermore, playing in a more central position gives Bailey more licence to roam across the pitch and take up different positions.
His heat map clearly displays that he was looking to move all over the frontline to give all of United’s defenders something to think about throughout.
This is also a position we could see Bailey operate in from now on due to his excellent finishing ability. Many assume the 25-year-old is just a pacey winger, but he has proven this season to be clinical in front of goal.
As per Wyscout, Bailey managed a 100 per cent shot accuracy against United and is averaging four touches in the area per 90 at the moment.
It would not be a shock to see the Spaniard utilise Bailey as close to the goal as he can to get the best out of the former Bayer Leverkusen man. For Bailey, he will be hoping for a bit more consistency in terms of formation, position and performance.
In other Aston Villa news, Manchester United in injury wait ahead of Aston Villa Carabao Cup tie