It is becoming more and more obvious that managers greatly benefit from having large and talented squads, and Aston Villa is no exception.
Nearly every player in Unai Emery’s squad at Villa Park has contributed to the team’s success thus far, both domestically and internationally. He has steadily but progressively assembled a strong team.
With six goals and six assists so far this season, Leon Bailey is undoubtedly among those on that list. These numbers are based on 17 games across all competitions, and Bailey is undoubtedly a vital player for his manager.
With six goals and six assists so far this season, Leon Bailey is undoubtedly among those on that list. These numbers are based on 17 games across all competitions, and Bailey is undoubtedly a vital player for his manager.
Nonetheless, there is a case to be made for the Jamaican to start games as a substitute and come off the bench rather than in the starting lineup.
This is due to Bailey’s record of having contributed the most goals from substitutes this season [official Premier League website, November 19]. The winger has two goals and two assists in four different games.
This puts him ahead of the players with three goal contributions this season as substitutes: Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace, Darwin Nunez of Liverpool, Fabio Vieira of Arsenal, and Pablo Sarabia of Wolves.
With five substitute goals this season, his team is in the top five, behind Wolves (six), Brighton (seven), and Arsenal (seven). Adrian Clarke has now referred to Bailey as this season’s “chief difference maker” [official Premier League website, November 19].
Emery has plenty of options, especially considering Bailey’s fellow winger Moussa Diaby’s incredible start to life in the Midlands, with three goals and three assists.
And although the manager will want to rotate his starting lineup to keep players fresh, Bailey’s consistent use as a substitute might be the wisest course of action.
