Former Manchester City Defender Gives Bailey High Praises

Micah Richards, a former Manchester City defender has hailed Aston Villa’s winger Leon Bailey as being “in the form of his life” following his impressive performance against Nottingham Forest last weekend.

Bailey netted his 11th goal in all competitions for Villa, helping them secure a 4-2 victory and maintain their strong position for Champions League qualification in fourth place.

Richards, who concluded his playing career at Villa, praised Bailey’s pace, movement, and forward-thinking play, emphasising the challenge he poses for defenders.

Speaking to BBC’s Match-of-the-Day, Richards noted Bailey’s statistical efficiency, ranking third in the Premier League behind Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah for minutes per goal or assist.

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Bailey’s resurgence comes after a couple of quieter seasons at Villa Park, but under the guidance of Spanish Manager Unai Emery, he has become one of the West Midlands club’s standout performers.

With eight goals and seven assists in the Premier League alone, Bailey has been instrumental in Villa’s achievements, trailing only Salah and Haaland in combined goals and assists.

Against Nottingham Forest, Bailey’s impact was evident from the start, with his enterprise down the right flank leading to Ollie Watkins’s opening goal. Richards lauded Bailey’s consistency and decision-making, highlighting his ability to trouble defenders with his versatility and confidence on the ball.

The 26-year-old’s remarkable form has not gone unnoticed by Villa’s management, as Bailey recently inked an improved three-year deal, extending his stay at the club until 2027 with the option of a further year’s extension.

Bailey’s resurgence has injected renewed optimism into Aston Villa’s fanbase, who are now daring to dream of a return to Europe’s elite competition, buoyed by the Jamaican’s electrifying displays on the pitch.

With Bailey at the forefront of their attacking arsenal, Villa’s Champions League aspirations seem more attainable than ever before.

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