Aston Villa: Ian Wright sums up Leon Bailey in one word as Champions League prediction made
Ian Wright has hailed “unbelievable” Aston Villa player Leon Bailey as he backed the Villans to finish in the Premier League top four.
Bailey has come in for criticism at times this season, most recently in the 4-0 loss to Tottenham when he was slammed as “ineffective”.
However, the Jamaica international was back to his dangerous best in the respectable 1-1 draw at West Ham before the two-week break.
Leon Bailey stands out in West Ham United vs Aston Villa
No player on the field registered more key passes than Bailey’s three, while his five successful dribbles were easily a game-high [WhoScored].
Indeed, no other player for either side completed more than two, putting into perspective just how good the wideman is at beating an opponent.
Speaking on the Wrighty’s House podcast [22 March, 21m 20s], Wright said: “Look at Leon Bailey. He’s been unbelievable.”
Former Arsenal and England striker Wright went on to add: “When you look at the team Villa can put out, I think they’ll get top four.”
Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins lead the way for Aston Villa
Bailey has impressed in several metrics this season, with his 16 direct goal involvements bettered only by Ollie Watkins (26).
The former Bayer Leverkusen ace’s 1.6 shots per game, meanwhile, is also topped only by Watkins (three) among Villa players.
As per Sofascore, Bailey boasts a pass-success percentage of 78, which rises to 87 per cent inside his own half.
Unai Emery does not put Bailey in the side to keep things nicely ticking along, but rather to make something happen out of nothing.
The 0.42 expected assisted goals he registers per 90 – Moussa Diaby is next highest with 0.29 – is proof that he does just that [FBref].
Bailey may have the occasional off-day, but his flair is playing a big part in Villa’s battle to qualify for the Champions League.
In other Aston Villa news, Don Goodman has shared why one of Villa or Tottenham now have a “massive” advantage in the top-four race.
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