Unai Emery has been hailed for his role in turning around the fortunes of one “terrific” Aston Villa player.
The Spaniard’s impact at Villa Park cannot be understated. Ollie Watkins, for example, has been transformed into one of Europe’s most potent forwards. John McGinn has been used in a variety of positions, and Douglas Luiz has added a goalscoring edge from midfield.
However, one player’s turnaround under the Spaniard has been nothing short of remarkable.
Unai Emery hailed for remarkable Leon Bailey turnaround
The Daily Mail’s Ian Ladyman has highlighted Leon Bailey’s form this season after the Jamaican struggled under Steven Gerrard following his big-money move from Bayer Leverkusen.
“He’s done a brilliant coaching job at Villa. That’s what I think whenever I watch them play is how good players have become very good players on his watch,” Ladyman told It’s All Kicking Off Podcast.
He added: “Off the top of my head, I think of someone like Ollie Watkins or Leon Bailey, for example, who looks a terrific player and has clearly benefitted from working with a real whistle in the mouth, boots on the grass football coach.”
Bailey has scored eight times and registered eight assists in 18 starts for Villa this season.
Aston Villa star Leon Bailey primed to cause Lille problems tonight
Villa host Lille this evening in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League clash. Bailey should start behind Watkins, and the 26-year-old could be primed to cause ageing left-back Ismaily all kinds of issues.
Another player who could be utilised more often alongside Bailey is Moussa Diaby. The Frenchman was introduced too late against Brentford at the weekend and probably deserves the chance to feature this evening.
Bailey and Diaby played alongside each other in the Bundesliga and could form a deadly partnership for Villa if given the chance. To date, Emery has been eager to alter his lineup, with fixtures coming thick and fast. Perhaps handing the pair an extended run would be a smart move.
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