Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey has earned a rave review in the Italian press following his first outing for AS Roma.
Villa supporters were desperate for Bailey to succeed in 2024/25, but the 28-year-old had a pretty underwhelming campaign.
He finished the season with just two goals and four assists in 38 outings before being sent out on loan to AS Roma over the summer.
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Bailey was struck down with injury shortly after the move, but finally made his first appearance for the Giallorossi on Saturday.
Leon Bailey during AS Roma v FC Internazionale - Serie A Enilive
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Aston Villa’s Leon Bailey praised as AS Roma lose to Inter Milan
Roma fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Inter Milan, with Bailey’s 16-minute cameo off the bench earning him high praise from Italian outlet Il Messaggero.
They wrote: “He [Bailey] had only tasted the Olimpico from the stands, but on Saturday he gave a first glimpse of his qualities.
“Above all, the dribbling and slalom to surpass two opponents just minutes after his entry drew applause. Elegance and explosiveness, Gasp needs a player like this to strengthen an offensive package that has been disappointing so far.
“Last year he failed to make an impact with Aston Villa, but two seasons ago he reached double figures in the Premier League. He is not yet at 100% and will gradually find his best form, but the desire to do well is strong.”
It’s very early days, of course, but it looks like the Jamaican international is rediscovering his top form away from Villa Park.
Bailey managed 28 goal contributions in 2023/24, but as Unai Emery has already explained, he was far from his best at Aston Villa last season.
Unai Emery looks on during a UEFA Europa League clash between Aston Villa and Feyenoord
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Unai Emery explained why Leon Bailey left Aston Villa
As per Birmingham Live, Emery commented on the winger’s summer exit in August.
He said: “Sometimes we missed one right winger, but when he was not performing, we were as well missing something more.
“Leon Bailey is a fantastic player, but he left because I think he wanted something to change for him, expecting better in his career.
“We extended his contract two years ago, but last year he didn’t achieve the same performance. We wish him the best, but now we must manage to occupy the space we are wanting without Bailey.”
Roma have the option to make Bailey’s transfer permanent next summer for £19m.
In his absence, new signing Evann Guessand has been Villa’s primary right-winger this season.
He is yet to score or assist in 10 outings, including the 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend.