Aston Villa loanee Leon Bailey has had a difficult few weeks at AS Roma.
He picked up a muscle injury in his first training session. After a two-month long absence, the Jamaican made his debut for the Italian side.
Bailey came off the bench in a 1-0 defeat to Inter Milan. Even though he didn’t get enough time to make an impact, optimism is now rising.
Legendary Italian sporting director Walter Sabatini has spoken to La Nuova Domenica Sportiva about Roma. He put specific emphasis on how the Aston Villa player can make a mark.
He said, relayed by SololaRoma: “I received a wonderful message from Bailey [against Inter]. When he came on, it sparked a great deal of hope in me.”
Sabatini further said: “He has the right quality to revitalise the Giallorossi attack. If he finds consistency, he could become a key player.”
While Roma have started the season well, they have lacked pace in their attack.
Bailey can bring a new dimension to their attack. Gian Piero Gasperini’s system has always had pacy wide players who add spark in the final third.
The 28-year-old will have to steer clear of injuries, though. He has had some fitness problems even before he joined Roma. That is why the Giallorossi have been cautious about his return to the pitch.
This will impact Aston Villa directly, as the Italian side have the option to buy Bailey permanently.
Many at Villa Park will hope that things go well for the ex-Bayer Leverkusen man.