Leon Bailey hasn’t been seen in Aston Villa’s matchday squad since April, last featuring in their 2-0 win over Norwich City. He’s endured an injury-hit debut season and doesn’t command a starting place when fit due to Steven Gerrard preferring to pack the midfield, so does he have a long-term future at Villa Park?
Gerrard has alternated between a 4-3-2-1 and 4-3-1-2 formation, having three central midfielders, one or two playmakers ahead of them and one or two strikers. The Villa manager relies on Lucas Digne and Matty Cash to provide the width, giving them freedom to supplement the attacks, so he has no need for wingers.
Bailey has made 18 Premier League appearances for Villa this season, scoring one goal with two assists, but he seldom gets to play in his natural role. The Jamaican international has often been used as a makeshift centre-forward or second striker with varying degrees of success.
Bailey hasn’t scored or made an assist in the Premier League since October 2021, so Gerrard’s system isn’t working for him. Villa are stuck with him for three more years, however, and may not have suitors after his disappointing debut season, so his future is up in the air.
In other news, Ezri Konsa injury blow could see Calum Chambers start v Burnley
