Bailey Brace Helps Celebrate Reggae Boyz Call-Up
Leon Bailey shone on the international stage as he snatched a brace for Bayer Leverkusen in their eye-catching 4-2 Europa League success over Israeli champions Hapoel Be’er Sheva tonight (5 November).
The 23-year-old Kingston-born whizzy winger, who has been seeking an escape route from the club since June, scored after five and 75 minutes respectively in their hard-fought victory at the Turner Stadium.
He sunk his right-footed effort from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner to break the deadlock, but could only watch in despair as Elton Acolatse bagged two goals after 11 and 25 minutes for the hosts. Yet the sides went into the interval level, courtesy of Or Dadia’s own goal on 38 minutes.
Bailey found the bottom left corner from Kerem Demirbay’s corner with quarter-of-an-hour remaining, and Florian Wirtz’s strike on 88 minutes handed the visitors a flattering result.
He seems to be saving his best for the Europa League this term, having made two goal assists last month in their 6-2 success over French outfit OGC Nice in the competition.
Midfielder maestro Bailey, who has not started every match for the German club, will no doubt be buzzing after this latest display and will be a welcome addition to Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz 24-strong squad that will tackle hosts Saudi Arabia in friendlies on 14 and 17 November respectively.
Having been heavily linked with a clutch of English Premier League (EPL) clubs, which came to nothing, his head coach Peter Rosz will no doubt be impressed by Bailey’s Group C form in Europe. Since being given a roaming role by Rosz, Bailey has seized his chances with aplomb and will be eager to get as many minutes on the pitch as possible.
Things are slotting nicely into place for Bailey at the moment. He is no longer having to play second fiddle to Kai Havertz like last season as the German starlet joined EPL giants Chelsea, and with his outspoken stepfather Craig Butler keeping quiet for the time being then now his boots are doing the talking.
This could be just the start of good things to come for the star, especially as Jamaica coach Theodore Whitmore recently shook up his squad with a seemingly more attacking mindset for the future that will strongly suit spirited Bailey.
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